Anthony Hernandez aims to be in UFC title contention by end of 2025: 'I'm f*cking ready for it'
Anthony Hernandez is excited to jumpstart 2025 with a big fight.
Hernandez (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) runs things back with Brendan Allen (24-6 MMA, 12-3 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 252 on Feb. 22 from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Hernandez defeated Allen by unanimous decision to claim the vacant LFA middleweight title in January 2018.
With a fight already booked in February, the streaking Hernandez sees himself a couple of fights away from competing for the UFC middleweight title.
“It sets me up perfect,” Hernandez told MMA Junkie Radio. “As long as I can stay healthy, my goal is to by the end of the year be in a position to fight for the title. So, if I have to knock out two more or one big one, I’m f*cking ready for it.
“I’m not getting any younger. My whole goal is to get the belt, hold it for a while, and then retire. That’s the dream. That should set me up for all the things that I want to do in life.”
Riding a six-fight winning streak, Hernandez is coming off back-to-back Performance of the Night finishes of Roman Kopylov, and most recently a TKO of Michel Pereira. He’s starting to feel the love from the fans which fuels him.
“I’ve definitely seen a lot more people on my side saying that they’re going to see me be champ in 2025,” Hernandez said. “It’s awesome to see that if you stay silent and put in the work, it’ll show for itself. People are starting to see that. I just keep my head down, and I keep grinding.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.