BREAKING: The UFC middleweight division is heating up as Reinier de Ridder faces Anthony Hernandez in a highly anticipated main event on October 18 at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver. This shocking matchup was confirmed today by UFC CEO Dana White, just days after Khamzat Chimaev seized the middleweight title from Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago.
De Ridder (21-2), hailing from the Netherlands, is on a remarkable trajectory in 2025. He remains undefeated this year, boasting a 3-0 record with victories over fan favorite Kevin Holland, rising star Bo Nickal, and former champion Robert Whittaker. Since July 2024, the 34-year-old has gone 5-0, finishing four of his opponents, showcasing his dominance and skill in the octagon.
Hernandez, known as “Fluffy,” also commands attention with his impressive eight-fight winning streak. The 15-2 fighter recently delivered an outstanding performance, earning a performance bonus against Roman Dolidze on August 9. Currently ranked 6th in the middleweight division, Hernandez is poised to become a formidable contender.
The stakes are high for both fighters, as they are currently ranked 5th and 6th in the middleweight division. Their bout will play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the division, particularly following Chimaev’s recent rise to the championship.
As the middleweight division heats up, fans can also look forward to additional matchups at the Vancouver event. White announced an exciting bantamweight fight featuring Marlon Vera against Aiemann Zahabi, alongside a middleweight clash between Holland and Mike Mallott, and a women’s flyweight bout between Manon Fiorot and Jasmine Jasudavicius.
The anticipation builds as UFC Fight Night approaches, with all eyes on October 18. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this pivotal matchup will influence the middleweight rankings and what it means for the future of both De Ridder and Hernandez. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
