Hernandez, Allen Meet Again in High-Stakes UFC Rematch

SEATTLE, Washington — Middleweight contenders Anthony Hernandez and Brendan Allen are set to rekindle their rivalry at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song, taking place on February 22, 2025, in Seattle. This highly anticipated clash marks a rematch over seven years in the making, following their initial encounter in January 2018.

The two first fought under the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) banner for the promotion’s middleweight title, with Hernandez emerging victorious. At that time, Hernandez was an upstart, carrying a 5-0 record, while Allen was more experienced at 8-2. Reflecting on their first bout, Allen admitted he underestimated Hernandez’s potential. “I was like, ‘Who is Anthony Hernandez?’ No one had heard of him,” Allen told UFC.com. “Looking back, I was surprised by how immature I was.”

Hernandez’s preparation for the first fight was challenging; he fought through injuries to his hands and ribs, yet he believed defeating Allen could secure him a spot in the UFC. “I wasn’t in the best shape,” Hernandez remarked. “I just needed to push through anything that came my way.”

The match itself was a testament to endurance and grit. Hernandez adjusted quickly after taking a head kick from Allen, recognizing the need to grapple instead of strictly striking. “Going into that fight, we were trying to avoid the grappling,” Hernandez recalled. “I got switch-kicked, and then I started grappling. That fight was a big eye-opener for me because I had to push through that, exhausted as f***.”

The two battled extensively on the mat for nearly 25 minutes, with Hernandez controlling most exchanges. Allen, known for his submission skills, struggled to execute his strategy and expressed frustration post-fight. “I just mentally quit on myself,” Allen said. “I didn’t want to be there no more.”

Nonetheless, Hernandez won by unanimous decision, and shortly thereafter, he earned a contract with the UFC. “That fight, honestly, was my dad’s last fight seeing me before he passed,” Hernandez said. “It was really good to reassure him that my grappling was better.”

Both fighters have since risen through the ranks, with Hernandez currently enjoying a six-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Michel Pereira. Allen, meanwhile, has faced ups and downs, most recently losing to Nassourdine Imavov but previously climbing into the Top 10 with wins against Kevin Holland and Paul Craig.

Looking ahead, the rematch presents significant implications for both fighters in the dynamic middleweight division. A win could propel the victor closer to title contention, especially given recent shake-ups in the rankings. “It’s going to be a war,” Hernandez declared, emphatically expressing his intent to settle unfinished business from their first fight.

With the stakes high, both fighters remain respectful yet focused. Allen stated, “I always wish [Hernandez] the best of luck. I’m super happy for him. I think he earned the fight up, and that’s what you get on Saturday.”

Fans can catch the rematch at Climate Pledge Arena later this month, where the anticipation continues to build. The prelims start at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET.