URGENT UPDATE: The UFC’s middleweight division is heating up as Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez prepare to headline UFC Fight Night on October 18, 2025, in Vancouver. UFC CEO Dana White announced this highly anticipated matchup just three days after Khamzat Chimaev captured the middleweight title from Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago.
This clash is critical for both fighters, as they look to establish their dominance in a rapidly evolving division. De Ridder, with a record of 21-2, comes into this fight on a remarkable roll, boasting a 3-0 record this year. His victories include impressive wins against fan favorite Kevin Holland, rising star Bo Nickal, and former champion Robert Whittaker. Since July 2024, de Ridder has gone 5-0, finishing four of those bouts.
On the other side, Hernandez, nicknamed “Fluffy,” is equally formidable with an impressive eight-fight winning streak. He is fresh off a standout performance against Roman Dolidze on August 9, earning a performance bonus for his efforts. Currently, de Ridder and Hernandez are ranked No. 5 and No. 6 in the middleweight rankings, respectively, adding to the stakes of their upcoming bout.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. White also revealed additional fights scheduled for the Vancouver event, including a bantamweight showdown between Marlon Vera and Aiemann Zahabi, a middleweight matchup featuring Holland against Mike Mallott, and a women’s flyweight bout between Manon Fiorot and Jasmine Jasudavicius.
As the middleweight division gears up for these pivotal battles, fans are eager to see how the landscape shifts following Chimaev’s recent title victory. With both de Ridder and Hernandez aiming for a shot at the belt, this main event promises to deliver thrilling action and significant implications for the future of the division.
Stay tuned for updates as the fight date approaches and more developments unfold. This event is set to be a must-watch for all MMA enthusiasts!
