HOUSTON — For a fighter on the verge of a career-defining opportunity, Anthony Hernandez seems remarkably relaxed. Hernandez (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) faces former middleweight champion Sean Strickland this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 267 at Toyota Center, a bout that could catapult him into the title conversation at 185 pounds.
But during fight week, Hernandez isn’t feeling the weight of the moment. “I don’t got no responsibilities this week, everyone’s taking care of me, and I get to swing on somebody and get paid for it,” Hernandez said at Wednesday’s media day.
Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) remains one of the division’s most durable and disciplined strikers. Known for his high-volume jab, teep kicks, and relentless forward pressure, he presents a unique challenge. Hernandez, however, isn’t approaching the matchup cautiously he’s approaching it confidently.
He expects Strickland to bring his usual striking rhythm but believes there may be a strategic shift following Strickland’s recent losses to former champion Dricus Du Plessis.
“I think he’ll try to wrestle me because the Du Plessis fight didn’t go well, and his coaches talked about it,” Hernandez said. “I think he’s going to try to show that he’s a better mixed martial artist, but I’m ready for everything.”
“The Boogeyman” at 185
Hernandez has quietly built one of the division’s most impressive streaks. A win Saturday would mark his ninth straight victory. Currently ranked No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings, Hernandez sits behind names like Israel Adesanya, Strickland, Nassourdine Imavov, Du Plessis, and champion Khamzat Chimaev.
The expectation is that Imavov could be next in line for Chimaev, meaning Hernandez might need one more marquee win even if he defeats Strickland before earning his shot at gold.
That possibility doesn’t faze him. “The way I see it is, I kind of feel like the boogeyman,” Hernandez said. “You call my name, and if you’re in front of me, I’m coming after you.”
High Stakes in Houston
For Hernandez, Saturday is about more than extending a streak. It’s about validation. Beating a former champion in front of a national audience on Paramount+ would cement him as a legitimate contender in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. For Strickland, it’s about proving he still belongs in the immediate title picture.
For Hernandez, it’s simpler. “I’m happy the former champ thinks he can take me out,” he said. “So I’m looking to prove him wrong.”
If he does, the path toward a middleweight title shot becomes much clearer even if it’s not immediate. And if Hernandez’s confidence proves justified, the “boogeyman” may soon be knocking on the champion’s door.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
