Anthony Hernandez recently spoke out about a possible fight against Khamzat Chimaev, offering a confident preview of how the bout might unfold. Hernandez is preparing for a critical middleweight bout against Sean Strickland this weekend at UFC Houston, with the winner likely moving closer to contention for the 185-pound title. The prospect of Hernandez facing Chimaev has drawn attention, given Chimaev’s reputation for dominance in the division and Hernandez’s notable grappling skills.
In an interview with New York Post Sports, Hernandez expressed strong belief in his ability to challenge Chimaev’s fighting style. He said he could make Chimaev fight on the feet instead of relying on grappling, stating,
“Our grappling defense is really good, so I think I can force him to stay on his feet. Honestly, I don’t give a f**k where the fight goes. Grappling, striking, and standing up. He’s got one thing, and I’ve got a f**ng arsenal. I mean, I really don’t give a f**k. I want my time to prove that I’m the champion… clear out the division, and you’ll probably never see me again because I’m out.”
This outlook highlights Hernandez’s readiness to demonstrate the full range of his abilities against one of the most feared middleweights in the sport.
Insights from Dricus du Plessis on the Upcoming Strickland vs. Hernandez Clash
South African fighter Dricus du Plessis recently shared his analysis of the match between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston. Du Plessis, a former middleweight champion himself, backed Strickland to win and predicted that the fight would not end in a finish. In an interview with Fight Forecast, he said,
“I’m so excited for that fight. Hernandez was one of the guys I saw come up… He just goes and goes and goes, and his gas tank is crazy, especially with the way he fights. He strikes, he gets in there, he makes it ugly, and he just breaks his opponents. He breaks them mentally, physically, just with the pure pace.”
Du Plessis further explained the challenge Strickland presents, remarking on Strickland’s ability to control opponents on the ground. He added,
“Then you have Strickland, I speak from experience, keeping that guy on the ground, that is another task, and then breaking him physically and mentally, that is not an easy task. I don’t see a finish in this one. I can almost guarantee that this fight is not going to a finish… This can go either way, but if I have to put money on it, I’m probably going to go with Strickland. Just in terms of his style. If you fight Strickland and you’re going head-to-head, you need really good striking to beat a guy like Strickland.”
His assessment points to a strategic battle likely defined by pace, stamina, and control rather than a quick knockout or submission.
What This Means for the Middleweight Division
The winner of the Hernandez versus Strickland fight at UFC Houston stands to elevate their position toward the middleweight championship, intensifying the competition in the division. Anthony Hernandez’s expressed confidence in facing Khamzat Chimaev suggests that a high-stakes showdown could be on the horizon, adding more tension to the title picture. Meanwhile, the contrasting styles of Strickland and Hernandez promise a compelling battle that may test their endurance and tactical skill more than their ability to finish fights early.
As fans await the outcome of this weekend’s event, the implications for both the fighters and the division remain significant. Should Hernandez prevail, his outspoken readiness to confront Chimaev could lead to one of the division’s most anticipated clashes, while a Strickland victory may reinforce the challenge of breaking through the current middleweight hierarchy.
"He’s got one thing and I’ve got a f**ng arsenal" – Anthony Hernandez doesn't care where the fight goes with Khamzat Chimaev
"Our grappling defense is really good, so I think I can force Khamzat to stay on his feet. I don’t give a f**k where the fight goes, he’s got one thing… pic.twitter.com/IZG4M5Bkok
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 18, 2026
