Anthony Hernandez predicts a win for the champ at UFC 319: 'I think DDP is going to surprise everyone again'
The performance was arguably Hernandez's best, and it comes at a time when the division is loaded with contenders ready to try their hand at upsetting the champion, Dricus du Plessis. That's assuming du Plessis hangs onto the title he's held since January 2022.
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In his next title defense, the champion is tasked with the undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 319's main event this Saturday night. After his big win, Hernandez will make the trip to Chicago with the hopes he'll see his next opponent live and in person.
"I want to go watch, and we'll see what UFC wants me to do," Hernandez said Monday on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show." "If they want me to f***ing fight the champ, I'm in. I'm ready. I'm healthy. I just gotta get these stitches out, and I'll be right back in camp.
"Hopefully, [UFC CEO] Dana [White] liked my statement. I was talking to him during the fight, and telling him how strong Roman was, but I didn't know he was holding the fence, my guy. But I was talking to Dana, having a great time, talking to 'D.C' (Daniel Cormier). I think they know that like, bro, quit f***ing playing with me. Give me the f***ing shot. ... I want to be the next champ."
Regarding the upcoming title fight itself, few fights in 2025 have come with such anticipation throughout the MMA community. On the challenger's side, Chimaev's inevitable bid for UFC gold has been expected for years, only to face setbacks for one reason or another.
However, despite Chimaev's historically dominant performances, his fellow contender Hernandez expects the reigning champion to finally be his undoing.
"I think 'DDP' is gonna surprise everyone again," Hernandez predicted. "He's a f***ing tough motherf***er. He's got that dog in him, and hopefully I get to see him soon.
"I really don't care [who it is]. It's like, respect at the end of the day. So whoever has the belt is who I want, because the belt is what changes lives. The person, I don't care. I'll fight everybody."
Hernandez's main event appearance opposite Dolidze marked his second time headlining a UFC event, following a co-main event in Seattle in February. Although it was a solid performance and a second career victory over Brendan Allen, Hernandez was disappointed to go the distance and end up with a win via unanimous decision rather than a finish.
Highlighting a rib injury that added to that fight's difficulty, this time around against Dolidze he was healthy enough to flow freely without injury. However, that didn't mean he wasn't met with a different type of adversity.
"It was definitely my best performance, but I feel like you can always do better," Hernandez said. "You can always adjust. There was a couple times I got knocked off balance, so obviously, I gotta f***ing work on some s***, but I'll get back to the gym here soon, as these little stitches get taken out. I got some holes to fill, and we just keep plugging and playing.
"That was just grabbing a motherf***er and letting him know. Like no, this ends now, bro. He was grabbing the cage, and he was grabbing my gloves. I get it. You don't wanna get your ass whooped, but you gotta take that s***, not cheat, but it is what it is."
Ultimately, Hernandez wants to stay active and keep making his case to challenge for the title. This time next year, "Fluffy" is confident the landscape will shape up in his favor, expecting to win the title by midway through 2026.
"Hopefully, I have that s*** by then, but however the world works out, it's worked out great for me," he said. "I'm gonna keep knocking it down one fight at a time if I have to.
"I think I'm ready for the belt. Dana knows that. He's seen me fight a bunch of times, and if I have to keep showing out, I will. I really don't care. I'm built for war, man. That's the one thing I'm good at doing."
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