Anthony Hernandez is approaching his UFC Houston main event against Sean Strickland with a calm and calculated mindset, refusing to be rattled by the controversy surrounding the fight. Scheduled for a five-round middleweight showdown, the bout carries high stakes, as a strong performance could secure Hernandez a title shot against champion Khamzat Chimaev.
The lead-up has been marked by tension after Strickland posted a racially charged image online, depicting himself as an ICE agent and Hernandez in stereotypical Mexican attire, including a sombrero and poncho, mocking real-world immigration enforcement issues.
Anthony Hernandez (UFC)Hernandez, however, dismissed the post, stating he was not fazed and even found it laughable. He warned Strickland that any attempts to intimidate him outside the Octagon would be met with intensity inside it. “If that’s the best you’ve got to get in my head, it’s going to be a long night,” Hernandez said. His focus remains entirely on the fight, promising to deliver relentless pressure for all 25 minutes if necessary, emphasizing that he enjoys the physical and strategic challenge of hurting opponents inside the cage.
Hernandez Draws Strength from Community Support While Targeting Middleweight Title Opportunity
Despite the offensive nature of Strickland’s post, Hernandez appreciates the support he has received from the Mexican community, noting that the encouragement motivates him further. “I’ve got a lot of people behind me, which is a beautiful blessing,” he said. Hernandez also clarified that he is not rushing for an early finish, instead intending to execute his game plan and impose his will throughout the fight, taking satisfaction from dominating opponents regardless of how the fight ends.
Currently on an eight-fight win streak, Hernandez had previously been sidelined by an injury that forced him out of a main event against Reinier de Ridder in October at UFC Vancouver. That setback delayed his path to a title shot, but a strong showing against Strickland could immediately put him back in contention for Chimaev’s middleweight belt. Facing a former UFC champion for the first time, Hernandez is maintaining perspective, treating the fight as another step in his ongoing pursuit of the championship.
For Hernandez, the combination of personal focus, community support, and professional determination ensures he is ready for whatever challenges Strickland brings, both in the lead-up and inside the Octagon. His goal remains clear: to win convincingly and move closer to the ultimate prize in the middleweight division.
