Chimaev in danger? Anthony Hernandez sees De Ridder as a stepping stone to a UFC title shot

anthony hernandez want to face Khamzat Shimaev in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

anthony hernandez are ready to test your grappling game against Khamzat Shimaev, but he doesn't mind climbing a few steps before facing the current middleweight champion. 'Fluffy' was hoping to be the next challenger for the belt in the division (up to 83,9 kg). However, was cast to face Ridder's Reinier in the main fight of UFC Vancouver, scheduled for October 18. Although it is not the commitment he wanted, the American does not view the opportunity negatively.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, anthony hernandez made it clear that he does not worry about choosing opponents and that he is always ready to accept any challenge imposed by the UFC.

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"At the end of the day, I'm not the matchmaker. I'm not Dana White, I'm not the one who decides. He says, 'Be there.' And I say, 'I'm in.' If I'm healthy, I'll be there. I'll never say no to anyone in this division. If people don't believe in me, then screw them. We'll keep showing up until everyone is on our side," Hernandez said.

Knowing he's close to a title shot, the American stated that he considers himself at the right level to face Chimaev, but prefers to adopt a 'one step at a time' mentality. Thus, his immediate focus is on defeating De Ridder before considering a potential title fight.

"There are levels to this game, and I think I'm at that level (to face Chimaev). When the fight happens, I'll be ready. But for now, it's one fight at a time. The next one is against Ridder, so I'll prepare for him and keep climbing the rankings," he concluded. anthony hernandez.

Khamzat Chimaev's possible UFC challengers

After defeating Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 319 and become middleweight champion, Khamzat Shimaev saw a line of challengers form in search of the belt. Nassourdine Imavov, current number one in the ranking, faces Caio Borralho, the seventh placed, in a crucial duel for the division in the main fight of the UFC Paris, September 6th. Meanwhile, Ridder's Reinier e anthony hernandez, fifth and sixth in the ranking respectively, measure forces in the UFC Vancouver October 18th.