ANAHEIM, Calif. – Unlike many of his fighting counterparts, Anthony Hernandez isn’t into calling out potential opponents. It’s largely due to the fact that, well, he doesn’t really follow the sport.
Hernandez (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who is part of the MMAGOLD fight team, has entrusted in his coaches and the system so much, his confidence in the direction he’s headed is unwavering.
“A win is a win. I don’t give a f*ck,” told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a UFC 298 post-fight news conference Saturday. “I didn’t even know who Rodolfo (Vieira) was when I fought him, to be honest, until after the fight. I honestly don’t know Ikram – or, what’s his name? Roman Kopylov. I don’t know his history. I don’t know what the f*ck he’s done with his life. It’s just another guy that I beat.”
At UFC 298, Hernandez submitted Russia’s Roman Kopylov (12-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) with a rear-naked choke in Round 2. The win was his fifth-straight after a 1-2 start in the promotion.
Hernandez deems it time to start talking about championship runs – as long as he can stay healthy. The injury bug has proven a tough opponent at times.
“I want to make my run,” Hernandez said. “I’ve been proven that I’m here. I want to make my run now. I’m happy. I’m excited. It’s time to get back to f*cking work. … (Getting injured) f*cking sucks. I’m learning how to stay out of my own way and not get f*cking hurt all the time. I’m a retard sometimes and I’ll just f*cking fight anyone for free. I shouldn’t do that sh*t the gym. I have the best team in the world and the best coaches. They’ve been helping me stay out of my own way and just f*cking sticking to the grind. It shows every f*cking fight. I plan on staying healthy and keep doing what I’m doing and making my run.”
There were no names lodged in his brain, but there is something Hernandez wants next: a main event, and all that comes with it.
“I honestly don’t follow the f*cking division like that,” Hernandez said. “I really don’t know, but whoever the f*ck is in front of me, I’m ready. Give me someone who does not have a fight. I want to do a main event because I’d like to have my face on the poster and I’m trying to get in the video game, so what’s up?”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 298.
