Last-Minute Change in UFC Card: Hernández Withdraws Due to Injury
An anticipated middleweight bout between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled. Hernandez withdrew from the fight due to an unspecified injury, according to UFC officials.
De Ridder, however, will remain on the card and will now face Brendan Allen, also a middleweight contender.
The 185-pound fight will be the main event of the UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez expressed his apologies to the UFC and De Ridder through a social media post, where he also stated he was focused on “recovering to come back stronger than ever.”
Post title: A post shared by Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez (@ilovebamf)
The change in the fight card could affect the search for the next challenger to the UFC middleweight title.
Khamzat Chimaev was crowned champion 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 Sean Strickland as a possibility.
De Ridder, who has had a notable activity in recent months, comes from a split decision victory against Robert Whittaker in July. For his part, Allen, with a four-year career in the UFC, achieved a decision victory over Marvin Vettori at UFC 318.
