The hype train has officially made an emergency stop. For the first time since May 2020, Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez has tasted defeat, seeing his incredible eight-fight win streak snapped by former champion Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night in Houston. It was a classic case of levels—Strickland’s relentless jab and defensive shell proved too much for Hernandez’s chaotic pressure and submission threats, ultimately leading to a third-round TKO stoppage.

While the result is a bitter pill to swallow for the 32-year-old Californian, it is hardly a career death sentence. Hernandez (15-3) remains one of the most dangerous middleweights on the planet, having carved through names like Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov, and Brendan Allen during his ascent. The question now shifts from “Who can stop him?” to “How does he rebuild?”

In the ruthless ecosystem of the UFC Middleweight division, a loss to a #1 contender like Strickland usually signals a small step back to defend one’s ranking against a rising hungry contender or a lateral move against another veteran looking for redemption. Let’s play matchmaker and analyze the best potential options for Anthony Hernandez’s next fight.

The Loss Analyzed: What Went Wrong vs. Strickland?

To understand the future, we must look at the recent past. Against Strickland, Hernandez struggled to implement his trademark “chain wrestling” and cardio-weaponized grappling. Strickland’s upright stance and underrated takedown defense forced “Fluffy” into a kickboxing match—a realm where Strickland is a master of distance management.

• The Jab: Strickland’s piston-like jab disrupted Hernandez’s rhythm, preventing him from closing the distance without paying a tax.
• Cardio vs. Efficiency: Hernandez is known for his endless gas tank, but Strickland’s efficiency made Hernandez work twice as hard for half the results. By Round 3, the body shots and accumulation of damage took their toll.
• The Takeaway: Hernandez needs to refine his entries against elite strikers who don’t overcommit. His “chaos” style works against 90% of the division, but the top 5 requires a more measured approach.

Option 1: Caio Borralho – The Stylistic Banger

If we are looking for the most intriguing stylistic matchup, all eyes should turn to Caio Borralho. The Brazilian “Fighting Nerd” has been on a tear of his own, using high-IQ grappling and improved striking to climb the rankings. While Borralho is currently booked to face Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 in March, the timeline for a summer showdown with Hernandez aligns perfectly.

Why it Makes Sense

Regardless of whether Borralho wins or loses in March, a fight with Hernandez is a grappler’s delight. Both men excel at taking the back and transitioning through submissions, but they do it differently. Borralho is calculated, positional, and safe. Hernandez is frantic, high-paced, and risky.

• The Narrative: “Calculated Control vs. Weaponized Cardio.” Can Borralho’s cerebral approach slow down the chaotic pace of Hernandez?
• Rankings Implications: Both are hovering in that #5 to #10 range (depending on this week’s update). A win here solidifies the victor as a legitimate Top 5 threat ready for another title eliminator.
• Fan Interest: Hardcore fans would drool over the scrambling sequences. It’s a chess match played at 100mph.

Option 2: Jared Cannonier – The Gatekeeper Test

If the UFC wants to test if Hernandez is truly ready for the elite tier again, Jared Cannonier is the ultimate litmus test. The “Killa Gorilla” has fought everyone and remains one of the hardest hitters in the division. While he is in the latter stages of his career, his takedown defense and power are still formidable.

Why it Makes Sense

Hernandez just struggled against a striker with good takedown defense in Strickland. Cannonier offers a similar puzzle but with more explosive power. If Hernandez can take Cannonier down and drown him, it proves he has learned from the Strickland loss and can handle elite physical strength.

• Redemption Arc: Beating a former title challenger like Cannonier instantly washes away the stink of the Strickland loss.
• Style Clash: Cannonier wants to keep it standing and land bombs; Hernandez wants to make it ugly. It’s a classic striker vs. grappler pairing.

Option 3: Nassourdine Imavov – The European Sniper

Nassourdine Imavov is another name that fits the bill. The French standout has looked sensational recently (including a win over Borralho in 2025) and sits firmly in the Top 5-7 mix. Like Strickland, he is a tall, rangy striker, but he is more dynamic and willing to engage in the clinch.

Why it Makes Sense

This would be a dangerous fight for Hernandez, arguably harder than Borralho. However, if Hernandez wants to prove he can beat the “Euro-Striker” archetype that just beat him, Imavov is the target. It’s a high-risk, high-reward booking that would propel the winner straight into the title conversation.

Why NOT Brendan Allen?

Some pundits might suggest a trilogy with Brendan Allen, especially given Allen’s recent resurgence and win over Reinier de Ridder in October 2025. On paper, two top-ranked grapplers clashing sounds great.

However, let’s look at the facts:

• History: Anthony Hernandez is already 2-0 against Brendan Allen. He beat him in LFA back in 2018 and again via unanimous decision just one year ago at UFC Fight Night in Seattle (Feb 2025).
• The Verdict: There is almost zero sellability in a third fight right now. Allen needs to clear out more contenders before a third crack at “Fluffy” makes any promotional sense. We’d essentially be watching a rerun of a movie we saw last year.

For a full list of where these fighters currently stand, check out Live Middleweight Rankings.

The Verdict: The Path Forward

Anthony Hernandez is in a unique spot. His win streak was so impressive that one loss doesn’t derail him completely, but it does expose the ceiling of his current “zombie grappling” style against the very best strikers.

The Ideal Matchup: Caio Borralho.

This fight is fresh, stylistically fascinating, and guarantees that one prospect continues their march toward the belt while the other is forced to re-tool. Whether it happens in International Fight Week or later in 2026, “The Natural” vs. “Fluffy” is the fight to make.

FAQ: Anthony Hernandez’s Future

1. Did Anthony Hernandez lose his ranking after the Strickland fight?
He likely won’t drop far. Losing to a #1 contender or former champion usually keeps a fighter in the Top 10, typically sliding them down 1-2 spots depending on activity below them.

2. Is Anthony Hernandez still considered a title contender?
Yes, but he is now in the “rebuilding” phase. He likely needs 2-3 impressive wins to get back to where he was before the Strickland fight.

3. Who is the current UFC Middleweight Champion?
As of February 2026, the division remains volatile at the top. Check out official Rankings Page for the current belt holder and title picture.

4. What is Anthony Hernandez’s fight style?
Hernandez is a “pressure grappler.” He uses high-volume cardio, chain wrestling, and relentless submission attempts (favoring the guillotine and rear-naked choke) to break opponents mentally and physically.

5. When will Anthony Hernandez fight again?
After a TKO loss in February, a medical suspension is standard. Expect him to return in late Summer or Fall 2026, possibly around August or September.