Strickland targets Hernandez comeback bout to push title bid

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland said he wants to return to the Octagon against Anthony Hernandez as his comeback fight, positioning the bout as a path back to title contention after Khamzat Chimaev captured the division belt at UFC 319. Strickland, who has not fought since February and is serving a suspension related to an altercation while coaching, outlined the matchup as his preferred route back into the title picture in a recent interview.

Strickland said he does not want a rematch with Israel Adesanya and instead singled out Hernandez, known as Fluffy, because of his wrestling-heavy approach. "I want to fight somebody like Fluffy. He puts me in title contention," Strickland said. He added that a strong showing against a grappler would bolster his case for a shot at the new champion. Strickland also said he considers himself among the top grapplers in the division and that testing that skill set over five rounds against Hernandez would be meaningful in rebuilding his standing.

Hernandez is riding an eight-fight win streak, including recent victories over Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze, and had been scheduled for a potential eliminator before withdrawing...