URGENT UPDATE: A major shift in the UFC Fight Night card is underway as Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez has officially withdrawn from his highly anticipated middleweight bout against Reinier de Ridder, scheduled for October 18 in Vancouver. The announcement came just moments ago from UFC officials, confirming that Hernandez’s exit is due to an undisclosed injury.
In a swift response to this breaking news, de Ridder (12-2) will now face fellow contender Brendan Allen (25-7), ensuring that the 185-pound matchup remains a highlight of the event. This sudden change not only impacts the fighters involved but also alters the landscape of potential title challengers in the middleweight division.
Hernandez took to social media to express his regret, stating, “I apologize to the UFC and de Ridder. My focus is on getting healthy so I can come back stronger than ever.” The emotional weight of his withdrawal resonates with fans, as the fight was expected to be a pivotal moment in his career.
With the middleweight division heating up, Khamzat Chimaev recently claimed the championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision in August. Now, the race for the next title challenger intensifies, with contenders including Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez, and de Ridder himself, alongside former champion Sean Strickland lurking as a potential dark horse.
De Ridder, fresh off a split decision victory against former champion Robert Whittaker in July, will be making his fifth UFC appearance in less than twelve months. Meanwhile, Allen is riding high after an impressive decision win over Marvin Vettori at UFC 318 earlier this summer. This matchup now carries even more weight as both fighters vie for a chance to secure their place in title contention.
As the UFC Fight Night approaches, fans are left wondering how this unexpected change will affect the dynamics of the middleweight division. Keep an eye on de Ridder and Allen as they prepare for their clash on October 18—a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts!
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on the fight reshuffle!