Anthony Hernandez won’t be stepping into the Octagon at UFC 302. He was set to face Roman Dolidze. But, alas, fate had other plans.
“Fluffy” took to Instagram with some bad news on Monday. A torn ligament in his hand means he’s out of the June 1 event. Now, it’s up in the air whether Dolidze will fight someone else that night.
UFC 302 is happening at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event? A lightweight championship bout between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier.
Hernandez shared the details of his injury. “On Friday while training I sustained an injury,” he wrote. The MRI results were not what he hoped for. Because of the torn ligament, he’s sidelined for the upcoming fight.
He didn’t want to pull out. Apologies went out to the UFC, his opponent, and Mick Maynard, the matchmaker. But some injuries you just can’t “push through.”
Hernandez is hopeful, though. He’s looking to make a comeback before summer’s end. His message was filled with gratitude for the support from fans, friends, and family. “The journey continues,” he added, ever optimistic.
Before this setback, Hernandez was on a roll. He had won his last five fights in the Octagon. His most recent victory was a submission win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 298 on February 17. Out of those wins, he finished all but one of his opponents before the final bell.
It’s a bummer, really. Just when momentum was building. But that’s the fight game for you. Unpredictable. Brutal. Yet, always compelling. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Hernandez and an equally thrilling opponent for Dolidze. The show must go on, after all.