Puna Soriano has a new opponent, and a new date for his second fight of 2021.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Anthony Hernandez is still dealing with a hand injury from his most recent victory over Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 258 that has forced him out of his scheduled contest with Soriano on June 26. With the change, Soriano will now face Brendan Allen at the UFC’s event on July 24.
News of Hernandez’s exit from the June 26 bout was first reported by MMA journalist James Lynch.
Soriano has won all eight of his pro fights, seven of which ended up in opening round finishes. The 28-year-old returned to action following a 13-month layoff in January at UFC Fight Island 7 and stopped Dusko Todorovic via TKO.
Allen will make his fifth octagon appearance after he was able to bounce back from his first promotional loss. After going 3-0 since he earned a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Allen was finished by Sean Strickland at UFC Vegas 14. “All In” got back on track at UFC 261 in April with a first-round submission win over Karl Roberson.