UFC Card Change: Hernández Withdraws Due to Injury
An anticipated middleweight bout between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled. Hernandez withdrew due to an unspecified injury, according to UFC officials.
De Ridder, with a record of 12-2, will remain on the card and will now face Brendan Allen, another middleweight contender. This 185-pound matchup will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez expressed his apologies to the UFC and de Ridder through a social media post, where he also stated that he is focusing on “recovering to come back stronger than ever.”
Post by Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
The UFC is looking for the next middleweight title challenger, and the original match between Hernandez and De Ridder could have significantly influenced the rankings. Khamzat Chimaev, who defeated Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in August, is the current champion.
Possible contenders for Chimaev include Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez and De Ridder, with the possibility of Sean Strickland also entering the conversation.
De Ridder will make his fifth UFC appearance in less than 12 months. He is coming off a split decision victory against Robert Whittaker in July. Allen, a UFC veteran, is coming off a decision victory over Marvin Vettori at UFC 318.
