The co-main event of UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle features an exciting middleweight clash between #9-ranked Brendan Allen and #12-ranked Anthony Hernandez. Both fighters are known for their relentless pace, well-rounded skill sets, and strong grappling abilities, making this a pivotal matchup in the 185-pound division.
Brendan Allen (24-6) has been a fixture in the middleweight rankings, showcasing elite-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ever-improving striking. With 14 of his 24 wins coming by submission, Allen is a dangerous threat on the mat, particularly with his rear-naked choke. Despite suffering a setback in his last fight against Nassourdine Imavov, Allen has notable victories over Chris Curtis, Paul Craig, and André Muniz. His ability to push a high pace and capitalize on grappling exchanges makes him a difficult matchup for any opponent. However, his durability and striking defense have been areas of concern in previous fights, particularly against powerful strikers.
Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez (13-2, 1 NC) is riding a six-fight win streak, most recently stopping Michel Pereira via elbows in a dominant performance. A high-pressure grappler with strong submission skills, Hernandez has finished eight of his wins via submission, including an upset victory over elite BJJ specialist Rodolfo Vieira. His relentless wrestling and ability to chain submissions make him a nightmare for opponents who lack elite takedown defense. Hernandez's striking has also improved over the years, as shown in his recent wins over Edmen Shahbazyan and Roman Kopylov. However, like Allen, he has shown vulnerabilities in striking exchanges, particularly against aggressive strikers.
This matchup is likely to be a high-paced grappling battle, with both men favoring pressure and submission attempts. Allen has more experience in five-round fights and may have a slight edge in composure, but Hernandez’s non-stop aggression could disrupt Allen’s rhythm. If Allen can control the distance and secure dominant positions, he has a strong chance of securing a submission. Conversely, if Hernandez can overwhelm Allen with his pressure and striking, he could wear him down and find a finish in the later rounds.
Prediction: Anthony Hernandez via 3rd Round Submission. While Allen has the technical edge in jiu-jitsu, Hernandez’s relentless pace and wrestling could prove too much over time, leading to a submission victory after an exhausting back-and-forth battle.
Last Five Fights
Brendan Allen’s Last Five Fights
* Loss – Nassourdine Imavov (Unanimous Decision) – UFC Fight Night (Sep 28, 2024)
* Win – Chris Curtis (Split Decision) – UFC Fight Night (Apr 6, 2024)
* Win – Paul Craig (Submission – Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC Fight Night (Nov 18, 2023)
* Win – Bruno Silva (Submission – Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC on ABC (Jun 24, 2023)
* Win – André Muniz (Submission – Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC Fight Night (Feb 25, 2023)
Anthony Hernandez’s Last Five Fights
* Win – Michel Pereira (TKO – Elbows) – UFC Fight Night (Oct 19, 2024)
* Win – Roman Kopylov (Submission – Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC 298 (Feb 17, 2024)
* Win – Edmen Shahbazyan (TKO – Elbows and Punches) – UFC Fight Night (May 20, 2023)
* Win – Marc-André Barriault (Technical Submission – Arm-Triangle Choke) – UFC Fight Night (Sep 17, 2022)
* Win – Josh Fremd (Unanimous Decision) – UFC 273 (Apr 9, 2022)
