Anthony Hernandez is finally getting the big fight he has been working hard for. “Fluffy” draws former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night in Houston on February 21. The fight was announced during the UFC 323 PPV broadcast.
Hernandez has built a reputation by fighting all challengers, regardless of who he is matched against. He was given a chance to earn a title shot against Reinier de Ridder, but an injury forced him to withdraw. Meanwhile, Brendan Allen, who Hernandez defeated earlier in February, upset De Ridder in October, removing an obstacle from Hernandez’s path.
Strickland returns to combat for the first time since losing his second title to former champion Dricus du Plessis. Currently ranked third in the UFC’s middleweight division, a victory is crucial if he hopes to face reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev again.
Fluffy is lookin’ for another big win 馃憖
Anthony Hernandez can’t wait for his main event with Sean Strickland!
#UFCHouston | SAT FEB 21 on @ParamountPlus
Link to tweet
The victor of this five-round main event will need to also consider Nassourdine Imavov, currently ranked second and on a five-fight winning streak. Hernandez has won his last eight exciting fights, while Strickland holds a victory over Imavov from 2023.
