Billboard Change: Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez Withdraws Due to Injury
An expected middleweight clash between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled. Hernandez withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.
The news was announced by UFC officials on Monday. De Ridder (12-2) will remain on the card and will now face Brendan Allen (25-7), also a middleweight contender. This 185-pound bout will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez apologized to the UFC and De Ridder via a social media post on Monday night, stating that he is focusing on “recovering to come back stronger than ever.”
Post title: A post shared by Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez (@ilovebamf)
The UFC is looking for the next middleweight title challenger, and the original fight between Hernandez and De Ridder may have had a significant impact on the rankings. Khamzat Chimaev won the championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in August.
Currently, the list of potential challengers for Chimaev includes 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, with four years of experience in the UFC, is coming off a decision victory over Marvin Vettori in July at UFC 318.
