UFC fighter Anthony Hernandez is setting his sights on a notable opponent as he prepares for his return to the octagon. After being sidelined by injury, Hernandez is eager to compete again early next year.
Hernandez’s Preferring Opponent: Dricus Du Plessis
Initially, Hernandez (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) had aspirations for a No. 1 contender bout against Reinier de Ridder during the UFC Fight Night 262 event. However, he had to withdraw due to an injury. Now, he is focusing on potential matchups once he returns.
Recently, Sean Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) called out Hernandez in an interview with MMA Junkie. While Hernandez is open to facing Strickland, his preference leans toward Dricus Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC), who recently lost the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
Why Hernandez Chooses Du Plessis
- Hernandez appreciates Du Plessis’s skills and history as a champion.
- He believes that defeating Du Plessis would significantly elevate his standing in the division.
- Hernandez acknowledges both matchups would be engaging and profitable.
“Sean’s funny. He’s wild. He’s always saying crazy stuff,” Hernandez remarked during the “Weighing In” podcast. “But I would like to fight DDP because he did a lot of good things as a champion. He beat many top-tier fighters.”
Hernandez emphasized that both potential fights would be exciting and financially rewarding. He stated, “At the end of the day, I’m ready for whoever the matchmakers put in front of me. I’ll be ready to sign on the dotted line.”
In conclusion, while Strickland is a viable option, Hernandez is most eager to face Du Plessis for a chance to capture the middleweight title. His next fight will play a crucial role in determining his path within the UFC.
