Anthony Hernandez is poised to confront Brendan Allen once more in a much-anticipated rematch at the upcoming UFC Fight Night on February 22. With a professional record of 13 wins and 2 losses, and an impressive 7-2 tally in the UFC, Hernandez has been on a roll. His previous match against Allen in January 2018 culminated in a unanimous decision victory, allowing Hernandez to claim the vacant LFA middleweight title. However, as they prepare to face off again, Hernandez believes he has even more to show this time around.
The stakes are particularly high for this rematch, given that Hernandez is currently riding a six-fight win streak. This includes a significant Performance of the Night TKO victory over Michel Pereira, which has added momentum and confidence to his career. In his recent discussions, Hernandez expressed his conviction that fighting Allen is the natural next step, one that could further solidify his standing in the middleweight division. His eagerness for this opportunity is palpable as he aims for another prolonged bout, indicating that a five-round clash could serve as a fitting stage for their rivalry.
Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on their initial encounter, Hernandez candidly acknowledged the challenges he faced, including not being fully prepared for the fight. “I remember the first fight was a f*cking b*tch – I’m not going to lie,” he admitted. This honesty sheds light on the unpredictability that fighters often face, and it underscores the importance of preparation in elite competition. Despite his victory, Hernandez recognizes that he didn’t enter that fight in his best form; in fact, he mentioned that he was less than fit for the bout, indicating he trained “off the couch”.
This forthcoming fight represents not just an opportunity for revenge, but a chance for Hernandez to demonstrate how far he has come as a fighter. He spoke about his current mindset, highlighting his health and the rigorous training camp leading up to this rematch. “I actually have a good camp, and I understand the game now,” he said. This evolution in his training routine and awareness of the sport suggests that he is ready to showcase a more refined combat style.
Brendan Allen: A Worthy Adversary
On the other side of the octagon, Brendan Allen—whose record stands at 24 wins and 6 losses (12-3 in the UFC)—comes into this fight with considerable improvements since their first meeting. Allen’s resilience and developments in his techniques present a formidable challenge for Hernandez. Despite his past defeat, it’s clear that both fighters have grown and adapted.
Underestimating Allen would be a mistake; he’s regarded as a strong contender within the division. His journey has equipped him with the experience needed to avenge his earlier loss, heightening the rivalry and the anticipation of this matchup.
As the UFC Fight Night date approaches, the excitement builds around this return bout. Hernandez’s confidence juxtaposed with Allen’s determination sets the stage for potentially one of the most thrilling rematches in recent UFC history. Ultimately, both fighters are not only striving for victory but are also on a quest for self-actualization within the realm of professional mixed martial arts. This match is not to be missed.