Hernandez vows to end Curtis' UFC career — but only once the money is right

Luis Hernandez has no interest in rushing a fight with Chris Curtis — but he is convinced he will eventually be the man to end the veteran’s UFC career.

Hernandez made a striking first impression in the UFC, finishing Sedriques Dumas in under a minute on two days’ notice at UFC Vegas 121. Curtis subsequently contacted UFC matchmakers twice to request the fight, first after Hernandez earned his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series and again following the debut win on Saturday. On both occasions, matchmakers declined due to the disparity in experience between the two fighters.

For Hernandez, the rejection is beside the point. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, “The Stache” made clear he has no desire to take the fight at this stage of his career — and questioned Curtis’ motives for pursuing it.

“He’s coming out of the woodwork,” Hernandez said. “I guess he’s trying to get some fame. I’m going to get my fights; I’m growing my name. If his name comes down the list, I could be the final coffin to put him into retirement… He’s 6-5 in the UFC. He’s almost on his way out. If I’m the final nail, it’ll happen sooner or later. It’s gonna be for money, though. I want to build my name first, and then I will fight him.”

The bad blood between the two has roots outside the octagon. At a Tuff-N-Uff event last year, Hernandez mocked Curtis and Sean Strickland after defeating their Xtreme Couture teammate Miles Hunsinger. The confrontation escalated until security intervened, with Strickland throwing a blow before the situation was contained.

Hernandez says his relationship with Strickland has since been repaired. “Me and Sean are good,” he said. “I don’t know about Chris.”

With Curtis sitting at 6-5 inside the UFC, Hernandez appears content to let the rivalry simmer while he climbs the rankings — framing a future meeting less as a grudge match and more as a calculated business decision.