LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Anthony Hernandez[/autotag] isn’t one for callouts because he doesn’t really watch fights.
However, the undeniable and sometimes inexplicable danger of UFC middleweight champion [autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag] has broken the barrier of disinterest.
Following his UFC Fight Night 245 win, Hernandez (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) voiced confidence in his own ability to put on pressure and drown opponents, as he did Michel Pereira on Saturday at the UFC Apex.
Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is the only other guy he thinks is the ballpark of putting forward that cardio-heavy attack.
“I think it would be a great fight realistically who mixes it up really well would be Du Plessis,” Hernandez told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “He mixes it very f*cking well, and that’s why he’s champion right now. He’s just a tough motherf*cker and he goes. He looks like he’s gassed and he keeps pushing. I’d love to fight him. I’m just going to keep climbing the ladder so I can get to him. Great job to him. Keep up the great work, man.”
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That’s not the next step, though. Hernandez knows it.
So what’s next? Hernandez thinks it’ll be at least two more fights before he comes within a direct arm’s reach of UFC gold.
“Hopefully, but probably not,” Hernandez said. “There are guys ahead of me. I’m not stupid. I know how this sh*t works. Those guys have … it’s all about timing and sh*t. I’m just going to keep doing what I do. I’m going to stay ready and when my time comes, I’m going to show the f*ck out and I’ll get it eventually.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 245.