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 due to an unspecified injury. The news was announced by UFC officials on Monday. De Ridder, however, will remain on the card and will now face Brendan Allen. The 185-pound fight will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.Hernandez apologized to UFC and De Ridder through a social media post, where he also expressed his focus on recovery.The UFC is looking for the next middleweight title contender, and the original Hernandez vs. De Ridder fight may have significantly influenced the rankings. Khamzat Chimaev was crowned champion after defeating Dricus Du Plessis in August. Currently, the list of potential contenders for Chimaev includes Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez, and De Ridder, with a remote possibility of Sean Strickland. De Ridder will make his fifth UFC appearance in less than 12 months. He is coming off a split decision win against Robert Whittaker in July. Allen, a UFC veteran, is coming off a decision win over Marvin Vettori at UFC 318.I am focused on recovering to come back stronger than ever.
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
