Anthony Hernandez is determined to win the UFC middleweight title, starting with a victory against Michel Pereira in his first promotional main event at UFC Vegas 99, as he aims to showcase his readiness for top-tier competition and eventually challenge champion Dricus du Plessis.
Anthony Hernandez has a singular focus: capturing the UFC middleweight title. His next hurdle? Securing a win in his first promotional main event this weekend.
Hernandez is set to clash with Michel Pereira at UFC Vegas 99 at the APEX this Saturday. Riding high on a five-fight win streak, “Fluffy” believes a victory will signal to Dana White and the UFC brass that he’s ready for the elite at 185 pounds. He’s eyeing a future showdown with current champ Dricus du Plessis, not just for the belt, but for the intriguing stylistic battle it promises fans.
“He mixes it up, you know what I mean,” Hernandez shared with MMA Fighting. Du Plessis is a formidable opponent—strong, skilled, and relentless. It’d be one hell of a fight, no doubt about it. He’s got a chin, he can hit. Like, he hits people and puts them to sleep. You know what I mean? It’s an exciting fight to me. That would be f*cking fun.
“And he’s just doing his thing, good on him. I’ll see you soon.”
Since his loss to Kevin Holland at UFC Jacksonville in May 2020, Hernandez has been unstoppable. That defeat taught him a crucial lesson: compete only when you’re near peak health.
Now at 30, Hernandez feels healthier than ever as he gears up to face Pereira. Pereira’s been impressive since moving up to middleweight, boasting two quick finishes. Saying Hernandez is eager for this matchup would be an understatement.
“I’m like, ‘Oh, the f*cking wild guy, the guy who does backflips,” Hernandez said. “I really don’t watch f*cking fighting that much, but I know who he was because that motherf*cker, he’s dope to watch, I’m not gonna lie. He f*cking does backflips and shit. I’m like, ‘Bro, I can’t do none of that shit.’ Motherf*cker is like a f*cking freak athlete, all like backflips and like all that fancy shit.
“But now I’m f*cking stoked. This is one of those fights where I see Fight of the Night all over it because we’re both some tough motherf*ckers. We both can take a shot and we’re both f*cking pretty violent, you know what I mean? So I’m f*cking stoked for this fight. It’s going to be a f*cking big test and I’m looking forward to showing you guys how I do that shit.”
Hernandez is known for his finishing ability—a fan favorite style—and his relentless pace. He plans on bringing the same intensity against Pereira.
“I think my style is perfect to beat him,” Hernandez explained. “I just have to have my hands up and not get caught with no crazy shit. I mean, he’s f*cking wild. He’s calmed down a lot… I’ve noticed he’s knocked the last two 185-pounders out with just straight rights.
“So yeah, I don’t plan on standing in front of him in the distance. I plan on fighting this motherf*cker and taking it to him. I know that he has like wild, f*cking crazy two rounds, but I’m in shape for 10 so I can keep that pace for all five.
“I hope he’s in shape, that’s all I’ve got to say.”