Anthony Hernandez thinks he has more tools to win than Khamzat Chimaev.
Hernandez (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) will look to earn his first title opportunity when he takes on former middleweight champion Sean Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 267 main event (Paramount+) at Toyota Center in Houston.
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UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) awaits his next title challenger. Nassourdine Imavov is currently ranked at No. 2, but the winner of Hernandez and Strickland could make a case with an impressive win. Although Chimaev has ran through the majority of his opposition, Hernandez is confident he has plenty for him.
“My grappling defense is really good, so that’s one thing,” Hernandez told New York Post Sports. “I think I can force him to stay on his feet. I don’t give a f*ck where it goes: grappling, striking, standing up. He’s got one thing and I’ve got a f*cking arsenal, so I don’t really give a f*ck.
“I want my time to prove that I’m the champion. If he’s the challenger, whoever the f*ck has the belt, I don’t give a f*ck. I’m going to take that belt, clear out this division, and you’ll probably never see me again because I’m out.”
Hernandez is on an eight-fight winning streak, most recently submitting Strickland’s teammate Roman Dolidze at UFC on ESPN 72. Prior to that, he picked up a win over top contender Brendan Allen.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Houston: Anthony Hernandez predicts future title shot vs. Chimaev
