Middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis has a bullseye on his back and Anthony Hernandez is ready for his shot! With a six-fight win streak under his belt, ‘Fluffy’ is gearing up to take on Brendan Allen in a re-match with a lot of history at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle, Washington.

But as he gets ready to settle that score, he’s made it clear. Even with Khamzat Chimaev firmly in the title picture, if the opportunity comes his way, Hernandez won’t back down. Whether it’s against ‘Stillknocks’ or ‘Borz’, the no. 12 ranked middleweight is ready to make his presence felt in the UFC.

Anthony Hernandez sets his crosshairs on Dricus Du Plessis despite Khamzat Chimaev waiting in the wings

At UFC Seattle, Anthony Hernandez will step into the Octagon against Brendan Allen, a familiar foe. The two had faced each other in LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) 32 in 2018, where ‘Fluffy’ secured the vacant LFA middleweight crown with a unanimous decision win. As such, during the pre-fight media day, he stated, “I’m just looking at this fight for sure. Because this is the biggest fight that matters, you know what I mean? Let’s finish this guy, get my hand raised, make a statement, and then the UFC has a plan, you know what I mean?”

‘Fluffy’ further shared that in his perspective, it’s a game of opportunity, where some fighters get fast-tracked while others have to claw their way to the top. He confessed, “You’ve seen guys that weren’t even ranked get shot, had a shot.”

And when it comes to Dricus Du Plessis, he’s not just ready. He had already accepted the bout! Hernandez then dropped the bombshell. “I like the fight with DDP. I was supposed to have that fight already. And I was like, dope. I said yes on like two weeks’ notice or some s—. I believe I have the skills to beat the guy.”

His analysis of the champion’s fighting skills? In a cheeky response, ‘Fluffy’ further shared, “It’s crazy because I tell everyone it looks like he’s gassed but the mother—- keeps coming forward you know what I mean? And he’s awkward so that throws people off. But I definitely would like that fight but for right now it’s just Brendan Allen you know what I mean?”

At the moment, Hernandez has put all thoughts of Dricus Du Plessis on hold. Because Brendan Allen is no stepping stone. Although ‘All In’ lost his last outing against Nassourdine Imavov, he’s still dangerous and has evolved a lot since his LFA days.

If Hernandez secures another dominant win, the UFC brass might take notice. Of course, there’s another name looming over the division, Khamzat Chimaev. Dana White has made it clear, Chimaev is next in line for a shot at Du Plessis. Well, according to ‘Fluffy’ he’s not afraid of taking on ‘Borz’ either!

‘Fluffy’ ready to throw down with Chimaev too after UFC Seattle  

Anthony Hernandez isn’t just fighting for a win at UFC Seattle, he’s fighting for a seat at the middleweight contenders’ table. But what if his path doesn’t lead to Dricus Du Plessis? What if it brings him face-to-face with the undefeated wrecking machine, Khamzat Chimaev?

Most fighters tread carefully when Chimaev’s name comes up. After all, ‘Borz’ recently rag-dolled Robert Whittaker in the very first round of their clash at UFC 308. Even before taking on ‘The Reaper’, the undefeated Chechen warrior has been overwhelming his opponents with pressure and power.

However, according to ‘Fluffy, “Honestly I don’t give a f—. I’ll fight anybody. I would fight him too.”

With the UFC boss already pointing to Chimaev as Du Plessis’ next challenger, Hernandez might have to wait for his shot. But if he dominates at UFC Seattle, who’s to say the conversation won’t change?

After all, fights are won inside the cage, not on the matchmaking board. If Anthony Hernandez keeps stacking victories with that same fearless energy, he might just force his way into the title picture. Do you think ‘Fluffy’ has what it takes to challenge the middleweight elite? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!