Anthony Hernandez claims UFC required proof before allowing him to represent Mexican heritage at UFC Houston

UFC middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez had to go through several hoops with the brass before his upcoming UFC Houston return.

Anthony Hernandez could secure a UFC middleweight title shot with a win in his upcoming fight against former titleholder Sean Strickland, at UFC Houston in March. Heranndez, fresh off an eight-fight win streak, returns after a main event booking at UFC Vancouver was scrapped due to injury.

Hernandez has turned himself into one of the biggest stars in the UFC middleweight division amid his recent success in the Octagon. His most-recent victory over Roman Dolidze was so impressive that the matchmakers flew him out to sit cageside for the middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 just days later.

The UFC has had a checkered last few years when it comes to allowing fighters to represent their respective heritages during walkouts and pre-fight festivities. After Russia invaded Ukraine a few years ago, the UFC prohibited fighters from representing Russia during the conflict.

Hernandez, of Mexican descent, says he went through similar hurdles recently with the matchmakers.

Anthony Hernandez: UFC required documentation before representing Mexico

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hernandez revealed the lengths he had to go to prove his heritage ahead of UFC Houston.

“The UFC almost didn’t let me walk out to represent Mexico anymore, because I had to show a f—— proof of residency from Mexico,” Hernandez said.

“I’m on a f—– 8-fight win streak, there’s no special treatment here. I had to go jump through some hoops real quick and find my f—— grandparents’ birth certificates and show that they’re from Mexico. I’m technically first generation because my grandfather, he was smuggled in, and then on my Mom’s side I’m second generation.

“I don’t really have time to ask questions – right now it’s just put the foot on the gas and go.”