A new middleweight candidate set his name in the UFC Apex in title interviews last Saturday evening.
Anthony Hernandez shouted the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev to face after he had expanded his winning series to eight.
'Fluffy' produced a dominant version against Roman Dolidze in the main event of UFC Vegas 109, in which he closed his impressive display with a violent entry finish.
In his interview after the fight, Hernandez said that he will fly to Chicago for UFC 319 next week, but there is another option that would interest him outside of a title fight.
Anthony Hernandez calls BMF 'contender' fight as a potential next option outside a middleweight title fight
Anthony Hernandez has made it quite clear that opponents are not the most important thing for him when it comes to turning off his next movements.
While he hoped to make a statement and place his name in the title mix on UFC Vegas 109, 'Fluffy' called another potential matchup that he could pursue during the Vechtweek.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Hernandez was asked about possibly confronted with Reinier de Ridder if he was successful on Saturday evening.
He threw the idea of creating a second BMF title fight, one that could be stored in the middleweight division to link two top candidates.
He mentioned this again during his press conference after the fight at the UFC Apex, which states that although the title is his priority, he is looking for the greatest possible payment days.
“If I say that I don't give off – who I am fighting, I am serious about that. I think it would be cool if there was a competition party BMF or something like that, but I want the title. The only reason I do this is to get that money and change my family's life.”
Potential opponents for Anthony Hernandez if he doesn't get the next title shot
Although Anthony Hernandez would certainly fit with a BMF title, it is difficult to imagine that the UFC creates a second belt, especially when there is no matchup that really requires it.
'Fluffy' has a strong thing to get the next title shot, although the upcoming UFC Paris Main Event between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho could change that if one of them made an explanation.
There are several other remarkable names in the middleweight division that can be linked to Hernandez for what would certainly be a title -eliminator for him.
It is not clear when Sean Strickland will be released to fight again after his suspension, but the former champion is a good option.
The rising Reinier de Ridder, who is only only one victory removed from a title shot, would also be very logical.