Anthony Hernandez is currently on a five-fight win-streak in the UFC. (Image: Instagram)
Hernandez (30), currently ranked at 13 takes on Pereira who is one step below him in the middleweight rankings but both men have proven to be top contenders in the octagon with their all-round skills on display.
One of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) top middleweight contenders, Anthony Hernandez is set to take on the experienced Michel Pereira at the main event of UFC Fight Night on Sunday.
Hernandez (30), currently ranked at 13 takes on Pereira who is one step below him in the middleweight rankings but both men have proven to be top contenders in the octagon with their all-round skills on display.
Born in a small town called Dunnigan in California, life was simple for Hernandez as a proper American countryman who lived the country life and occasionally got in a scuffle with his cousins just to pass the time.
Growing up, it was a small town, with a population of several hundred, but we had like a farm, grew up with a bunch of roosters and my dad was a mechanic. We just lived off the land. A good country life, and a good childhood, and got to experience the country and animals, which is a blessing. Me and my cousins, when we’d get bored and we’d beat the crap out of each other in my front yard,” revealed Hernandez.
But ever since his introduction to the gym, there has been no looking back. He doubled down on the sport and made his way to the big leagues where he hopes to shine in his first main event.
Being put in the spotlight could be a change for many leading to a turn for the worse. But Hernandez tends to stick to his roots and the basic values with which he grew up, in turn keeping him grounded.
It’s a very small community. Like where I’m from, you don’t have to lock your doors and stuff, but everyone’s super nice, so everyone’s cool. It’s just I’m a normal person to everyone and we don’t treat it more than that because, at the end of the day, we’re all human,” he shared.
Coming through the ranks is no easy feat for any fighter but Hernandez has set high expectations for himself and thinks that he is ready to go on a title run. He remains confident in his skillset to get the job done against the many fighters in the division and he hopes to make a point on Sunday.
“I think I’m ready for the belt, to be honest. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and I understand every part of the game. And like, I don’t hesitate. I understand where to go now. I believe that I’m ready to show the world that Saturday. It’s my platform to prove that,” he shared.
Pereira on paper might have a lot more fights under his belt. But Hernandez coming through the streets will bank on the plethora of fights that he has been a part of, in the toughest of situations to help him get through tomorrow’s challenge.
“I think everyone’s tough in the UFC, to be honest. Plus I’ve got a lot of fights that people don’t even know about. I grew up doing a bunch of smokers, a bunch of gym fights. I’ve been fighting against adults and stuff since I was a child, so to me, it doesn’t matter. I have a lot of experience, a lot more than people know, and I’m just going to show that,” Hernandez commented.
As for his plans in the UFC, it is all up to the main man, Dana White to call the shots and Hernandez plans to take up the boss on every single offer he’s got, proving to the UFC that he takes all challengers with no questions asked.
“I mean Dana White’s done just a great job finding me, fights against tough guys and I’ve improved myself. Whatever route they have, I’m willing to take it. I don’t need an easy shortcut. I’ll take the hard way if I have to, and I’ll prove it that I’m a champion,” he concluded.
Sony Sports Network- Tune in for UFC
Watch UFC Fight Night – Hernandez vs Pereira LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu) on October 13, 2024 from 1:30 AM.
Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of UFC in India
