UFC Houston MMA Match Preview: Jordan Leavitt (12-3-0) vs. Yadier del Valle (10-0-0)
Event Overview
The UFC heads back to Houston for an electrifying Fight Night card, headlined by a middleweight bout between former champion Sean Strickland and rising contender Anthony Hernandez. The event features a mix of high-profile matchups and emerging talents, including a featherweight prelim clash between Jordan Leavitt and unbeaten prospect Yadier del Valle. With Houston’s fervent MMA fanbase, this marks the UFC’s return to the city since 2023, set to deliver intense action in a venue synonymous with memorable fight nights.
- Venue Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States. This arena holds up to 19,000 fans for MMA events, boasting modern facilities and a track record of hosting thrilling UFC cards.
- 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 Leavitt vs. del Valle bout is on the prelims, projected around 6:00-7:00 PM ET, streaming on Paramount+.
Injury Report
No substantial injuries are reported for Jordan Leavitt or Yadier del Valle entering this matchup. Leavitt, last seen in May 2025 with a quick submission win, has no noted lingering effects from prior bouts. Del Valle, following his November 2025 victory, appears fully recovered and in top form, maintaining his undefeated streak without any disclosed setbacks. Both fighters, aged 30 and 29, are poised for peak performance, though Leavitt’s history of submission losses could be a factor if the fight goes to the ground.
Fighter Matchups: Jordan Leavitt vs. Yadier del Valle
This featherweight prelim features Leavitt’s grappling expertise against del Valle’s undefeated finishing ability. Leavitt drops to 145 lbs for the first time in the UFC, potentially leveraging his experience, while del Valle’s athleticism and quick finishes could overwhelm. Anticipate a grappling-heavy affair with a 55% chance of an early end.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Jordan Leavitt (“The Monkey King”)
- Record: 12-3-0
- Age: 30
- Height/Reach: 5’9″ / 71″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Strengths: Elite submissions (7 wins); quick finishes (4 first-round); UFC experience (5-3 record).
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to submissions (2 losses); alternating wins/losses; adapting to featherweight cut.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| May 31, 2025 | Kurt Holobaugh | Win | Submission (Anaconda Choke) | 1 / 1:39 |
| Nov 18, 2023 | Chase Hooper | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 / 2:58 |
| Feb 25, 2023 | Victor Martinez | Win | TKO (Knees) | 1 / 2:27 |
| Jul 23, 2022 | Paddy Pimblett | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 / 2:46 |
| Apr 16, 2022 | Trey Ogden | Win | Split Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
Leavitt is 2-1 in his last three, with finishes in wins, but submission losses expose ground risks.
Yadier del Valle (“The Cuban Problem”)
- Record: 10-0-0
- Age: 29
- Height/Reach: 5’9″ / 70″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Undefeated; quick finishes (7 first-round); submissions (4) and KOs (2); athleticism.
- Weaknesses: Limited UFC experience (2-0); untested against veterans like Leavitt.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Nov 1, 2025 | Isaac Dulgarian | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 / 3:41 |
| May 17, 2025 | Connor Matthews | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 / 2:54 |
| Oct 15, 2024 | Antonio Monteiro | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Jun 9, 2024 | Pena Allamov | Win | Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Feb 4, 2024 | Fury Challenger Opponent | Win | Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
Del Valle is 5-0 in his last five, with three first-round subs, dominating early UFC foes.
Fight History
This is the first encounter between Leavitt and del Valle. No previous meetings or notable common opponents offer direct insights, but Leavitt’s grappling could test del Valle’s undefeated run.
FIGHT ODDS
Jordan Leavitt + 300
Yadier del Valle – 475
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
