UFC Card Change: Hernández Withdraws Due to Injury
An expected middleweight clash between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled. Hernandez withdrew from the fight due to an undisclosed injury. The news was announced by the UFC on Monday. De Ridder, who will remain on the card, will now face Brendan Allen. The 185-pound fight will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.The UFC is looking for the next middleweight title contender, and the original Hernandez vs. De Ridder fight could have had a significant impact on the rankings. Khamzat Chimaev was crowned champion after defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in August. In the list of potential challengers for Chimaev are Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez and De Ridder, with a possibility for former champion Sean Strickland. De Ridder will make his fifth UFC appearance in less than 12 months. He is coming off a split decision victory against former champion Robert Whittaker in July. Allen, a four-year UFC veteran, is coming off a decision win over Marvin Vettori in July at UFC 318.Hernandez apologized to the UFC and De Ridder via social media on Monday night, adding that he is focusing on “recovering to come back stronger than ever”.
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
