What’s Next for ‘Fluffy’ After His Dominant Performance?
Anthony Hernandez stepped on the scales Friday morning and had a difficult time making the 186-pound weight limit for his main event matchup against Roman Dolidze. However, when ‘Fluffy’ entered the octagon, there was no sign of a bad weight cut or having it mentally affect him. He went on to rag doll Dolize throughout the entire fight and was able to submit him with a standing rear-naked choke in round four. After such a dominant performance, Hernandez looks like the boogeyman of the Middleweight Division and should set himself up for a potential title eliminator fight. I will break down two potential matchups that could propel Hernandez to a title shot next year.
Anthony Hernandez vs. Sean Strickland
This is the matchup that makes the most sense. Sean Strickland hasn’t fought since his title match against Dricus Du Plessis and is currently without an opponent. This would be a real test to showcase if Hernandez is truly the threat he looks to be. The problem is that Sean Strickland has been a difficult opponent for many fighters who have faced him. If Hernandez can go out there and solve the challenge, he will be undeniable for a title shot. Strickland has good cardio and takedown defense, but if you can get around his teep kicks and jabs and apply pressure, you will be able to hit him and force your grappling. I think Hernandez will see that Strickland doesn’t have enough power to put him out, so he will be willing to take a shot or two to break his range and get in close. After a while, it doesn’t matter how good your cardio is; the way ‘Fluffy’ fights will wear down anyone, and they will eventually break, and I can see Strickland being no different.
Anthony Hernandez vs. Loser of Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov
The winner of Caio Borralho versus Nassourdine Imavov will undoubtedly be next in line for a title shot. The other is in an interesting position, and Hernandez can slide in and face them and either take advantage of them coming off a loss, or dominate them and use them as a stepping stone towards the top. I think his pressure and grappling will be a serious problem for Imavov, and I think he will tire rather fast, and Hernandez will be able to take advantage of that and pull away in the fight, and potentially get a finish. Borralho is probably Hernandez’s toughest opponent on his way to a title shot. His striking has come a long way since he entered the UFC, and his wrestling and grappling are top-tier. I think Hernandez will have a difficult time trying to take Borralho down, and on the feet, I think he will lose most of the exchanges. The only way I see ‘Fluffy’ pulling off this victory is if his pressure is so intense that Borralho’s cardio doesn’t hold up, and he can start taking him down and land damage from top position.
Anthony Hernandez put himself on the map last Saturday with his performance, and now sets himself up with a marquee matchup next. He made it clear he wants a title shot, whether that’s the Middleweight World Championship or a BMF Middleweight Championship. Many options could make themselves apparent in the following weeks that could determine Hernandez’s next opponent. Whatever Dana White and his committee decide to do, you don’t want to miss this rising star in the Middleweight Division.
