Card Change: Hernandez Withdraws, Allen Steps in to Face De Ridder
An anticipated middleweight bout between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has undergone changes. Hernandez has withdrawn from the fight scheduled for October 18 due to an unspecified injury.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 matchup will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez, through a post on social media on Monday night, apologized to the UFC and De Ridder. In addition, he expressed his focus 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 matchup between Hernandez and De Ridder could have significantly influenced the rankings. Khamzat Chimaev was crowned champion after defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in August. Potential contenders for Chimaev include 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, a four-year UFC veteran, is coming off a decision victory over Marvin Vettori in July at UFC 318.
