UFC Houston MMA Match Preview: Alden Coria (11-3-0) vs. Luis Gurule (10-2-0)
Event Overview
The UFC makes its way back to Houston for an exciting Fight Night card, headlined by a pivotal middleweight bout between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez. The event highlights a diverse array of talent across weight classes, including a compelling flyweight main card matchup between Alden Coria and Luis Gurule. With Houston’s enthusiastic MMA fanbase, this return to the city since 2023 is set to deliver high-energy action in a venue renowned for hosting memorable UFC nights.
- Venue Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States. This arena can hold up to 19,000 spectators for MMA events, featuring top-tier production and a history of electric UFC atmospheres.
- Prelims start at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PST), with the main card at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST). The Coria vs. Gurule fight is on the main card, anticipated around 8:30-9:30 PM ET, available on Paramount+.
Injury Report
No significant injuries have been reported for Alden Coria or Luis Gurule as they approach this contest. Coria, following his knockout win in September 2025, has shown no signs of setbacks and appears in peak form. Gurule, after back-to-back losses in 2025, has had sufficient time to recover without any disclosed issues from his previous defeats. Both athletes, aged 27 and 32 respectively, are expected to enter the Octagon at full capacity, though Gurule’s recent knockout loss could raise questions about his chin in high-pressure exchanges.
Fighter Matchups: Alden Coria vs. Luis Gurule
This flyweight encounter pairs a surging debut winner in Coria against a resilient but struggling Gurule. Coria brings height and finishing ability, potentially exploiting Gurule’s shorter reach in stand-up trades. The fight could end early via Coria’s power or go to the cards if Gurule’s durability holds, making it a potential highlight with a 60% chance of going over 1.5 rounds.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Alden Coria (“Cobra”)
- Record: 11-3-0 (1 NC)
- Age: 27
- Height/Reach: 5’8″ / 67″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Knockout power (5 KOs); submission skills (4); strong finisher with 3 first-round wins; unbeaten in last 4 (3-0, 1 NC).
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to decisions in close fights; one submission loss.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Sep 13, 2025 | Alessandro Costa | Win | KO/TKO (Punches) | 3 / 0:47 |
| May 25, 2025 | German Orpineda Ponce | Win | KO/TKO | 2 / 3:21 |
| Jan 12, 2025 | Paris Moran | NC | No Contest | 1 / 3:12 |
| Nov 3, 2024 | Chris Ocon | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 / TBD |
| Jun 23, 2024 | Jose Leon | Win | Submission (RNC) | 1 / TBD |
Coria is on a hot streak, with his UFC debut knockout highlighting his potential as a contender.
Luis Gurule (“Grim”)
- Record: 10-2-0
- Age: 32
- Height/Reach: 5’5″ / 64″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: KO power (5 KOs); durable with 4 decision wins; strong wrestling base.
- Weaknesses: Recent UFC struggles (0-2); susceptible to knockouts (1 loss).
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Sep 14, 2025 | Jesus Aguilar | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Ode Osbourne | Loss | KO/TKO (Punch) | 2 / 1:54 |
| Oct 16, 2024 | Nick Piccininni | Win | Split Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| May 6, 2023 | Carlos Lozoya | Win | KO/TKO | 1 / TBD |
| Dec 8, 2022 | Ryan Mondala | Win | Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
Gurule seeks to rebound from UFC losses, showing resilience but needing to capitalize on his experience.
Fight History
This is the first matchup between Coria and Gurule. No prior encounters or shared opponents provide direct comparisons, but Coria’s reach advantage (3 inches height, likely similar reach) could dictate a striking battle, while Gurule’s pressure might force grappling.
FIGHT ODDS
Alden Coria – 275
Luis Gurule + 225
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
