Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez 2 is confirmed as the co-main event for UFC Seattle. And it is generating an atypical amount of buzz for a Middleweight Fight Night Showdown.
Granted, it is not hard to understand the interest. Rematches are always compelling. This one, though, is particularly unique. A lot of time has passed since they initially fought. These two last met all the way back in January 2018—more than seven years before their Saturday, February 22 matchup at Climate Pledge Arena.
- What: UFC Seattle
- When: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Start Time: 7 p.m. EST (preliminary bouts), 10 p.m. EST (main card)
- Where: Seattle, Washington
- Venue: Climate Pledge Arena
- Where to Watch: ESPN+ (subscription required)
- Main Event: Song Yadong vs. Henry Cejudo
Hernandez won the first fight against Allen by unanimous decision after going the full five rounds in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He enters UFC Seattle with an overall record of 13-2-0 and has not lost since fighting Kevin Holland back in May 2020. His most recent fight came this past October against Michael Pereira. He dominated that matchup, landing 152 strikes to Periera’s 24. In the end, Hernandez secured a KO/TKO victory in Round 5.
Allen, on the other hand, comes to UFC Seattle working off a loss to Nassourdine Imavov this past September. Though he took this fight the distance, he still lost by unanimous decision after finishing as a minus-27 in the striking department. Previously, though, Allen was on a seven-match winning streak. He will look to get back on track against a familiar foe. Can he do it? Or will Allen vs. Hernandez 2 end as it did the first time around?
UFC Seattle Co-Main Event: Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez
Betting lines for UFC rematches often favor the first victory. But the first fight between Allen and Hernandez was so long ago, the outcome should have little bearing on this showdown. With that said, the latest online UFC betting odds have Hernandez rattling off another win at Allen’s expense. And you know what? The lines aren’t all that close, as you can see below:
As a reminder, please remember to keep checking these UFC Seattle betting odds right up until you actually submit your wager. Our UFC Seattle online betting lines are accurate entering Tuesday, February 11. This gives the best online UFC betting sites more than enough time to make adjustments ahead of the opening bell.
Also, if you are in the market for more UFC Seattle picks, we have best bets for Song Yadong vs. Henry Cejudo, which will be the main event on February 22’s fight card.
The Case for Anthony Hernandez to Beat Brendan Allen
A well-balanced arsenal is fueling the momentum for Hernandez entering UFC Seattle. The 31-year-old is landing 4.90 significant strikes per minute at a 63 percent clip. His accuracy rate is noticeably above the UFC average of 47 percent.
Some have indicated they would like Hernandez to be even quicker with his combinations. Well, he accomplished just that in his last match against Michael Pereira. Hernandez connected on a whopping 152 strikes through just under five rounds of action. That is, unequivocally, bonkers.
What’s more, the one they call “Fluffy” has done an excellent job of expanding his wrestling arsenal over the years. He is now completing 6.64 takedowns per 15 minutes of fight time. That part of his armory was also on display against Pereira, on whom he landed 10 total takedowns.
The Case for Brendan Allen to Beat Anthony Hernandez
Hernandez is not the only one of these two who has evolved in the years since their first fight. Brendan “All In” Allen has significantly rounded out his fighting style as well.
Wrestling is no longer as big of a struggle for the 29-year-old. He is landing just 1.67 takedowns per 15 minutes, but he’s proven to have another gear in certain matchups. During his win over Chris Curtis last April, Allen connected on six of his takedown attempts.
Much like Hernandez, Allen can be more methodical with his approach. But he is willing to speed things up when the fight calls for it. While he lost the striking battle in his win over Curtis, he still landed 112 total strikes to help himself pick up the victory. And because Hernandez is even more deliberate than him, Allen has the opportunity to dictate the pace of vertical play.
UFC Seattle Picks for Allen vs. Hernandez
At first glance, this fight should be closer than the odds for UFC Seattle imply. Both Hernandez and Allen have materially broadened their offensive styles and horizons since meeting in 2018.
However, there is more of a difference when it comes from defensive stances. While neither is in the upper echelon of evading strikes, Hernandez has the clear leg up in that department. No opponent has hit the 40-strike threshold against him since his match versus JunYong Park…all the way back in August 2019.
Beyond that, his takedown defense has hit a new level. Overall, opponents are landing 35 percent of their takedown attempts on him. And that number is even lower over the past couple of years. Hernandez has allowed only two total takedowns across his last five matches combined.
From our vantage point, Allen is not nearly as strong as skirting offensive maneuvers. He has not suffered a single takedown over his last six matches. That deserves a heaping pile of praise. But he has not faced anyone as persistent in this category as Hernandez.
Bake in Allen’s even shakier striking defense, and you start to understand why Hernandez is a heavy favorite to pick up the victory at UFC Seattle.
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