UFC Middleweight Anthony Hernandez Weighs Title Shot Options

Hernandez eyes fights with Sean Strickland or Dricus Du Plessis after injury forces him out of title eliminator

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:30am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and intensity of a UFC middleweight fight, with sharp planes of color and form representing the strategic considerations behind the matchup.The strategic calculations behind a UFC middleweight contender's next opponent choice come into focus through a cubist lens.Las Vegas Today

UFC middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez is looking to bounce back from an injury that forced him out of a title eliminator fight. Now, two top contenders - Sean Strickland and former champion Dricus Du Plessis - are vying for the chance to face Hernandez in his return to the octagon, with Hernandez preferring the matchup against Du Plessis as a path to a potential title shot.

Why it matters

Hernandez's decision on his next opponent could have major implications for the UFC middleweight title picture. A win over the former champion Du Plessis could put Hernandez in prime position for a title shot, while a fight with the outspoken Strickland would provide more entertainment value but may not carry the same title implications.

The details

After being forced to withdraw from a title eliminator fight against Reinier de Ridder due to injury, Hernandez now has two potential opponents lined up. Sean Strickland, a former UFC champion with a 29-7 record, has publicly called out Hernandez, but Hernandez has expressed a preference to face Dricus Du Plessis, the former middleweight champion who is coming off a loss to Khamzat Chimaev. Hernandez believes that a win over the former champion Du Plessis would carry more weight in the rankings and put him closer to a title shot, even though a fight with the charismatic Strickland may be more entertaining.

  • Hernandez was forced to withdraw from a title eliminator fight against Reinier de Ridder that was scheduled for this past Saturday.
  • Strickland recently called out Hernandez in an interview with MMA Junkie.
  • Du Plessis suffered a recent defeat against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.

The players

Anthony Hernandez

A UFC middleweight contender with a 15-2 MMA record and 9-2 in the UFC, who was previously scheduled to fight for the title eliminator before an injury forced him out.

Sean Strickland

A former UFC champion with a 29-7 MMA record and 16-7 in the UFC, who has publicly called out Hernandez for a fight.

Dricus Du Plessis

The former UFC middleweight champion who recently suffered a defeat against Khamzat Chimaev, and is now being targeted by Hernandez as a potential next opponent.

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What they’re saying

“Sean's hilarious. He's unpredictable and always spouting off outrageous stuff—that's just his vibe. But I understand where he's coming from. If he's itching for a clash with me, then let's make it happen. I'm all in.”

— Anthony Hernandez, UFC Middleweight Contender

“I'd choose DDP because he's accomplished so much as a champion. He took down a slew of top-tier opponents on his way to the top. Beating someone like him—a fighter who's already proven his mettle as a titleholder—would carry serious weight in the rankings.”

— Anthony Hernandez, UFC Middleweight Contender

What’s next

The UFC will need to determine Hernandez's next opponent, with Strickland and Du Plessis both vying for the chance to face him.

The takeaway

Hernandez's strategic preference for facing former champion Du Plessis over the more charismatic Strickland highlights the complex factors fighters must weigh when choosing their next opponent, with title implications potentially outweighing entertainment value in some cases.