UFC Fight Card Change: Hernandez Withdraws Due to Injury
An expected middleweight bout between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled. Hernandez withdrew due to an unspecified injury. The official announcement was made by the UFC last Monday. De Ridder, who will remain on the card, will now face Brendan Allen, also a middleweight contender. The 185-pound matchup will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.Hernandez apologized to the UFC and De Ridder via a social media post.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 conquered the championship after defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in August. The list of potential challengers for Chimaev includes Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez, and De Ridder, with a remote 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, with four years of experience in the UFC, comes after a decision victory over Marvin Vettori in July at UFC 318.I am focused on recovering to come back stronger than ever.
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
