Anthony Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder: Future UFC Title Challengers?
By Ali Hammad August 20, 2025 03:50
Anthony Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder have emerged as two of the most compelling contenders in the UFC’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, respectively. Their recent performances and skill sets have sparked significant buzz regarding their potential to challenge for UFC titles in the near future.
Anthony Hernandez, ranked #6 in the middleweight division as of August 2025, is currently riding a five-fight winning streak that has seen a blend of knockouts, submissions, and unanimous decisions. The 29-year-old American boasts a professional record of 15-2 (1 NC), with 9 of those wins coming by way of submission—highlighting his dangerous grappling skills—a total that includes guillotine chokes, rear-naked chokes, and anaconda chokes. Hernandez combines a well-rounded striking game with versatility on the ground, making him a nightmare to prepare for. His average fight time of nearly 11 minutes suggests a fighter comfortable both finishing early and grinding out wins over championship rounds.
Hernandez’s most recent victories give a strong indication of his readiness to face elite competition. On August 9, 2025, he secured a fourth-round rear-naked choke submission over Roman Dolidze at UFC on ESPN, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. His prior win against Michel Pereira, a brutal fifth-round TKO via elbows and strikes, was a testament to his endurance and finishing ability. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has repeatedly praised Hernandez for his calm composure inside the cage and his strategic fight IQ, saying, “Hernandez has evolved into a killer on the mat and a smart striker who knows how to control the octagon.”
On the other side of the spectrum but similarly impressive is Reinier de Ridder, the Dutch MMA phenom who holds UFC titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Known for his exceptional grappling pedigree and unparalleled conditioning, de Ridder’s style focuses on controlled domination and submission mastery. His ability to neutralize opponents with relentless pressure and technical skill has earned him the nickname “The Dutch Knight.” Holding a professional record of 15-0, de Ridder’s aura in the cage is that of an undefeated force—one that relentlessly pursues finishing fights with a blend of ground control and submission setups.
De Ridder’s recent title defenses have been dominant, including a third-round submission over Jared Cannonier, where he showcased elite transitions and choking ability. His gym coach lauds him for “every day being a workday,” and his focus on technical mastery and physical preparation is a blueprint for sustained UFC success.
Considering their trajectories, the possibility of Hernandez and de Ridder becoming premier title challengers in 2026 seems increasingly likely. Hernandez’s ability to finish fights in multiple ways and consistently perform against ranked contenders suggests he could bridge the gap to title contention with one or two more high-profile victories. His blend of striking and submission skills provides a dynamic challenge to any champion.
Meanwhile, de Ridder’s double-champion status speaks volumes about his current position at the pinnacle of the sport. His continued dominance positions him as the benchmark for excellence in the divisions he holds belts.
Both fighters have gained respect for their professionalism, work ethic, and in-cage intelligence. UFC president Dana White recently commented, “Anthony’s on a roll that can’t be ignored, and Reinier is a special talent carrying the torch at two weight classes. Fans are going to see some incredible fights from these guys.”
As the UFC landscape evolves, Hernandez and de Ridder represent the perfect blend of skill, technique, and charisma to capture the imagination of fans and promoters alike. Their skills, records, and personalities make them not only future title challengers but fighters capable of becoming the next faces of the sport in their respective weight classes.Anthony Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder have emerged as two of the most compelling potential title challengers in the UFC today, each carving a distinct path toward championship contention in their respective divisions.
Anthony Hernandez, currently ranked #6 in the UFC middleweight division, boasts an impressive record of 15-2 with a diverse array of victories. Known for his grappling prowess, Hernandez has secured nine submission wins, showcasing his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills with guillotine chokes, rear-naked chokes, and anaconda chokes. He complements this with effective striking power, evident in multiple knockout finishes. His recent string of five consecutive wins demonstrates growth and consistency, highlighted by a fourth-round rear-naked choke submission over Roman Dolidze in August 2025, a performance that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. Hernandez’s fight IQ, composure under pressure, and well-rounded skillset make him a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. UFC commentator Joe Rogan praised him as “a smart striker and killer on the mat,” noting his ability to adapt mid-fight.
Reinier de Ridder, a double-champion holding titles in both middleweight and light heavyweight classes, remains undefeated at 15-0. The Dutch fighter is revered for his dominant grappling, relentless pressure, and superior conditioning. His recent defenses, including a submission win over Jared Cannonier, showcased technical mastery and control. Nicknamed “The Dutch Knight,” de Ridder has become a model of discipline and skill, excelling both in offensive submissions and strategic cage control. His ability to methodically dismantle top contenders has positioned him as the reigning figurehead of his divisions.
While de Ridder already holds championship gold, Hernandez is rapidly closing the gap toward title contention. Hernandez’s versatility in finishing fights and recent success against ranked fighters suggest he is ready to challenge the elite. His blend of striking and submissions forces champions to prepare across multiple dimensions. UFC president Dana White remarked on their potential, stating, “Anthony’s hot streak can’t be ignored, and Reinier is a special talent carrying the torch at two weight classes.”
Beyond their records, both fighters embody qualities that elevate them as future stars mental toughness, technical evolution, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Hernandez, known as “Fluffy,” balances captivating charisma with deadly efficiency, while de Ridder’s stoic approach commands respect and fear within the octagon.
Given their trajectories, it would not be surprising to see Anthony Hernandez earning a title shot within the next year, possibly setting up high-stakes matchups against top-tier champions. Meanwhile, Reinier de Ridder aims to further cement his legacy by defending both belts and elevating the standard in multiple weight classes.
In summary, Anthony Hernandez’s dynamic skill set and recent winning streak, combined with Reinier de Ridder’s dominant championship reign, make both fighters front-runners among the UFC’s future title challengers. Their upcoming bouts will be essential chapters as the sport’s welterweight and light heavyweight divisions evolve, and fans eagerly anticipate their ascension to ultimate championship glory.
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