From country life to title aspirations: Anthony Hernandez eyes breakthrough against Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night – News18

One of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) middleweight contenders, Anthony Hernandez is set to face the experienced Michel Pereira in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Sunday.

Hernandez (30), currently ranked 13, faces Pereira, who is one rung below him in the middleweight rankings, but both have proven to be the best contenders in the Octagon with their all-around skills on display.

Born in a small town called Dunnigan in California, Hernandez’s life was simple as a true country American who lived in the country and occasionally got into a fight with his cousins ​​just to pass the time.

Growing up it was a small town with a population of a few hundred people, but we were like a farm, we grew up with a bunch of roosters and my dad was a mechanic. We just lived off the land. A nice country life and a nice childhood, I got to experience the country and the animals, which is a blessing. Me and my cousins ​​when we were bored and fighting each other in my front yard,” Hernandez revealed.

But once he was introduced to the gym, there was no going back. He doubled up in the sport and made his way to the big leagues, where he hopes to shine in his first major event.

Stepping into the spotlight can be a turning point for many, leading to a turn for the worse. But Hernandez tends to stick to his roots and the core values ​​he grew up with, in turn keeping him firmly grounded.

It’s a very small community. Like where I’m from, you don’t have to lock your doors and stuff, but everybody’s super nice, so everybody’s cool. I’m just 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 up through the ranks is no easy feat for any fighter, but Hernandez has high expectations for himself and believes he is ready to fight for the title. He remains confident in his skills to get the job done against the many fighters in the division and hopes to earn a point on Sunday.

“Honestly, I think I’m ready for the belt. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and I understand every part of the game. And I don’t seem to hesitate. Now I understand where to go. I believe I’m ready to show the world this Saturday. My platform is to prove that,” he shared.

Pereira, on paper, could have many more fights behind him. But Hernandez, coming to the streets, will be banking on the many fights he’s been involved in, in the toughest situations, to help him get through tomorrow’s challenge.

“I think everybody is tough in the UFC, to be honest. Also, I have a lot of fights that people don’t even know about. I grew up with a bunch of smokers, a bunch of gym fights. I’ve been fighting adults and stuff since I was a kid, so it doesn’t matter to me. I have a lot of experience, a lot more than people know, and I’m just going to show it,” commented Hernandez.

As for his UFC plans, it’s all up to the main man, Dana White, to decide, and Hernandez plans to take the boss on every single offer he has, proving to the UFC that he accepts all challengers no questions asked.

“I mean Dana White did a great job finding me, fighting tough guys and I improved. Whatever route they have, I’m ready to take it. I don’t need an easy shortcut. I will take the hard way if I have to and prove that I am 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 13 October 2024 from 1 :30 in the morning

Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of UFC in India