Last-minute change at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez withdraws due to injury
An anticipated middleweight clash between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled. Hernandez was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury, according to the UFC.
The official announcement was made on Monday, generating changes to the event’s card. De Ridder (12-2) will remain in the fight, but will now face Brendan Allen (25-7), another middleweight contender.
The fight, scheduled for October 18, will headline UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez expressed his regret to the UFC and De Ridder through a social media post, highlighting his focus on “recovering to come back stronger than ever.”
Post by Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
The UFC is searching for the next middleweight title challenger. The original fight between Hernandez and De Ridder would have been key to defining the division’s landscape. Khamzat Chimaev, after defeating Dricus Du Plessis in August, holds the championship.
Among the possible challengers for Chimaev are Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez, and De Ridder, with Sean Strickland as a remote possibility.
De Ridder, with this, will add his fifth appearance in the UFC in less than a year, coming off a split decision victory against Robert Whittaker in July. For his part, Allen, a veteran of four years in the UFC, arrives after a decision victory over Marvin Vettori in July, during UFC 318.
