Anthony Hernandez Aims for Former Champion in UFC Comeback

LAS VEGAS, NV – UFC fighter Anthony Hernandez is eyeing a showdown with former champion Dricus Du Plessis as he prepares for a return to the Octagon. Hernandez, who boasts a record of 15 wins and 2 losses in MMA, was scheduled to fight Reinier de Ridder in the main event of UFC Fight Night 262 but withdrew due to injury.

Hernandez expressed his eagerness to compete again in early 2026. He stated, “Sean’s funny. He’s wild. He’s always saying crazy sh*t. But I get it. If he wants to fight me, then run it. I don’t give a f*ck.”

While he is open to fighting Sean Strickland, he has a clear preference for Du Plessis. “I would like to fight DDP because he did like a lot of good sh*t as a champion,” Hernandez explained. “If you beat him, it would be a good champion to beat – like, a once-proven champion.”

Both matchups hold potential for Hernandez to reach the middleweight title, and he believes both fights would be exciting and lucrative. “I think both fights would be fun. Both fights would be very bloody, and I think we both get a lot of money for those fights,” he said.

Du Plessis, currently with a record of 23 wins and 3 losses, recently looks to bounce back from a defeat last August in Chicago. Meanwhile, Strickland, who has faced challenges in his recent fights, might view a win against Hernandez as essential for his return to title contention.

Fans can expect updates on these matchups as UFC matchmakers continue to shape the middleweight division in early 2026.