Anthony Hernandez Questions UFC Rankings After Revealing New Mindset

The middleweight contender put forward his views during a recent interview with James Lynch for Home of Fight, ahead of UFC Edmonton. Fluffy also has shared about his friendship with Sean Strickland, his recent losses, and his plans to return to the Octagon.

Anthony Hernandez Explains Why UFC Rankings Don’t Matter to Him

Hernandez had eight consecutive wins before back-to-back defeats. Sean Strickland stopped his run with a third-round TKO in February. He then was struck by a unanimous decision loss to Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Sacramento in August.

However, these recent losses have not changed the American willingness to fight, but returning to Las Vegas has helped him rediscover his motivation and change his outlook on the business.

“After fighting Sean and going to Vegas again, I felt a new spark for fighting. I don’t give a f*ck who I’m fighting as long as I’m getting paid,” Hernandez said.

The re-energised fighter lastly spoke about the promotion ranking system.

“I don’t get the rankings really; you see these unranked guys fighting top guys and then winning, and the unpredictability makes it exciting,” he added.

How Las Vegas Changed Anthony Hernandez’s Outlook

After his loss to Sean Strickland, Hernandez returned to Las Vegas and began training at Xtreme Couture with 'Tarzan'. The two have since become friends, with 'Fluffy' getting to know the middleweight champion outside the Octagon.

Anthony Hernandez has also pointed out that due to injuries and rehabilitation, he had taken time away from the gym, which was a problem ahead of his loss to Gregory Rodrigues. He is now training full-time in Las Vegas and has signed with Vayner Sports for management.

The 32-year-old hopes to return in early 2027, with his injured leg reportedly close to fully healed when he spoke with James Lynch.