Anthony Hernandez is lastly getting the massive battle he is labored laborious for. “Fluffy” attracts former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland at UFC Struggle Night time in Houston on Feb. 21. The battle was introduced on Saturday through the UFC 323 PPV broadcast.
Hernandez constructed a cult following by preventing all comers, irrespective of who the promotion put in entrance of him. A Struggle Night time major occasion in opposition to Reinier de Ridder was his likelihood to earn a middleweight title shot; nonetheless, an harm compelled him off the cardboard. Brendan Allen, who Hernandez beat in February, upset De Ridder in October, clearing an impediment from Hernandez’s path.
Strickland returns to motion for the primary time since his second title loss to former champion Dricus du Plessis. At the moment ranked No. 3 within the UFC’s official 185-pound rankings, a win is crucial if he desires to battle reigning champ Khamzat Chimaev.
The winner of this five-round major occasion should additionally cope with Nassourdine Imavov, who’s presently ranked No. 2 and on a five-fight successful streak. Herandez has gained eight consecutive thrilling fights; in the meantime, Strickland holds a 2023 victory over Imavov.
