Last-minute change in the UFC fight card
An expected middleweight clash between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has been canceled.
Hernandez retired due to an undisclosed injury, according to UFC officials.
De Ridder, however, will remain on the card and will face Brendan Allen instead.
The 185-pound fight will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez expressed his apologies to UFC and De Ridder through a social media post, where he stated that he would focus on recovering to return stronger.
Instagram post by Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez: “I am focused on recovering and coming back stronger.”
The UFC is looking for its next middleweight title contender. The original match between Hernandez and De Ridder could have had a significant impact on the rankings.
Khamzat Chimaev was crowned champion after defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in August. Among the possible contenders to face Chimaev are Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez, and De Ridder, with Sean Strickland as a possibility.
De Ridder will make his fifth UFC appearance in less than a year. He is coming off a split decision victory against Robert Whittaker in July. Allen, a four-year UFC veteran, comes after a decision victory against Marvin Vettori at UFC 318.
