TLDR
- Curtis contacted UFC matchmakers twice requesting to fight Hernandez but was told he’s not ready
- The feud started when Hernandez mocked Curtis and Strickland at a Tuff-N-Uff event last year
- Hernandez submitted Sedriques Dumas in under a minute at UFC Vegas 121 on two days’ notice
- Curtis says he won’t forgive Hernandez and is waiting for matchmakers to approve the fight
- Hernandez claims Curtis is chasing fame and wants to build his own name before they meet
Sources: sherdog.com | sherdog.com
Chris Curtis says UFC matchmakers have turned down his requests to fight Luis Hernandez on two separate occasions. The veteran middleweight claims he was told the newcomer isn’t ready to face someone at his level.
The beef between Curtis and Hernandez started at a Tuff-N-Uff event last year. Hernandez defeated Miles Hunsinger, a teammate of Curtis from Xtreme Couture, then mocked Curtis and Sean Strickland who were cornering Hunsinger.
Both Curtis and Strickland entered the cage before security stopped the situation from turning into a full brawl. Strickland managed to throw a punch before being separated.
Hernandez earned a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series earlier this month. Curtis says he contacted UFC matchmakers immediately after, requesting a fight against the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputy.
Chris Curtis has already asked the matchmakers to fight Luis Hernandez but claims they told him “he’s not ready yet” — “I’m going to fold him like a cheap suitcase” pic.twitter.com/LCfEBZ8qwq
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) September 28, 2026
UFC Says Hernandez Not Ready for Curtis
According to Curtis, the matchmakers told him Hernandez was too green to fight him. Hernandez then made a quick turnaround for his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 121.
Fighting on just two days’ notice, Hernandez submitted Sedriques Dumas in less than a minute. Curtis says he contacted the matchmakers again after the win but received the same answer.
“The moment Luis Hernandez gets signed to the UFC, I message matchmakers,” Curtis said on Instagram. “And the response from both was, ‘He’s not ready yet. He’s got no fights; he’s not ready yet.'”
Curtis added that after Hernandez’s debut win, he was told again that Hernandez is “not on your level.” The veteran says he’s willing to wait until matchmakers consider Hernandez ready.
A teammate of Hernandez reportedly approached Curtis saying “The Stache” wanted to end their feud. Curtis made it clear he has no interest in making peace.
“I am petty as hell,” Curtis said. “I’m going to fold this man like a cheap suitcase. I cannot wait.”
Curtis has a 6-5 record in the UFC and holds an overall record of 32-13. Hernandez remains undefeated at 9-0 in his professional career.
Hernandez Fires Back at Curtis
Hernandez says he has settled his differences with Strickland but questions Curtis’s motives for calling him out. He believes Curtis is trying to gain attention by targeting him.
“Me and Sean are good,” Hernandez told Ariel Helwani. “I don’t know about Chris. He’s coming out of the woodwork. I guess he’s trying to get some fame.”
Hernandez agrees the fight will happen eventually but wants to build his profile first. He believes Curtis is nearing the end of his UFC career and says he could be the one to finish it.
“He’s 6-5 in the UFC. He’s almost on his way out,” Hernandez said. “If I’m the final nail, it’ll happen sooner or later. It’s gonna be for money, though.”
The undefeated fighter says he wants to grow his name before taking the fight. He claims Curtis is chasing clout by calling him out now.
Hernandez won a $100,000 bonus for his UFC debut performance. Despite the big payday, he says his day job as a deputy sheriff still pays more than his fighting income.
