UFC Houston MMA Match Preview: Juliana Miller (5-3-0) vs. Carli Judice (5-2-0)
Event Overview
The UFC returns to Houston for a thrilling Fight Night card headlined by a middleweight clash between former champion Sean Strickland and surging contender Anthony Hernandez. This event blends veteran experience with rising talent across multiple divisions, including a women’s flyweight prelim bout between Juliana Miller and Carli Judice. Known for its passionate MMA fans, Houston hosts the UFC for the first time since 2023, promising an energetic atmosphere in a venue with a storied history of combat sports.
- Venue Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States. This arena seats up to 19,000 for MMA events, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a reputation for hosting high-octane UFC cards.
- Prelims begin at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PST), with the main card at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST). The Miller vs. Judice fight is on the prelims, expected around 5:00-6:00 PM ET, streaming on Paramount+.
Injury Report
No major injuries have been reported for Juliana Miller or Carli Judice ahead of this bout. Miller has a history of setbacks, including a severe labrum tear in August 2023 requiring surgery, which sidelined her until May 2025. She withdrew from a scheduled fight in February 2025 due to an undisclosed injury but returned successfully. Judice has no disclosed issues, entering on a two-fight knockout streak without any reported lingering effects. Both fighters, aged 29 and 26, appear in optimal condition, though Miller’s past vulnerabilities could factor if the fight extends.
Fighter Matchups: Juliana Miller vs. Carli Judice
This women’s flyweight prelim pits a veteran TUF winner in Miller against the surging knockout artist Judice. Miller’s grappling and experience could force a ground game, while Judice’s striking power favors an early finish. Expect a competitive clash with a 55% chance of under 1.5 rounds due to Judice’s finishing rate.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Juliana Miller (“Killer”)
- Record: 5-3-0 (UFC 2-2)
- Age: 29
- Height/Reach: 5’7″ / 66″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Submissions (3 wins); first-round finishes (2); UFC experience from TUF win.
- Weaknesses: Recent knockout loss; injury history; vulnerable to power strikers.
Recent Form (Last 4 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| May 3, 2025 | Ivana Petrovic | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Aug 12, 2023 | Luana Santos | Loss | KO/TKO (Punches) | 1 / 3:41 |
| Mar 18, 2023 | Veronica Hardy | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Aug 6, 2022 | Brogan Walker | Win | TKO (Strikes) | 3 / 3:57 |
Miller snapped a two-fight skid with her 2025 win but has shown durability issues.
Carli Judice (“Crispy”)
- Record: 5-2-0 (UFC 2-1)
- Age: 26
- Height/Reach: 5’7″ / 68″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Strengths: Knockout power (5 KO/TKO wins); first-round finishes (3); momentum from recent stoppages.
- Weaknesses: Limited UFC experience; decision loss in debut.
Recent Form (Last 4 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Jul 19, 2025 | Nicolle Caliari | Win | KO/TKO (Strikes) | 3 / 1:30 |
| Mar 15, 2025 | Yuneisy Duben | Win | KO/TKO (Kick) | 1 / 1:40 |
| Jun 15, 2024 | Gabriella Fernandes | Loss | Split Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Sep 26, 2023 | Ernesta Kareckaite | Loss | Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
Judice rebounded from early losses with back-to-back knockouts, showing explosive potential.
Fight History
This marks the first meeting between Miller and Judice. No prior encounters or shared opponents provide direct comparisons, but Judice’s power could exploit Miller’s past knockout loss, while Miller’s grappling might neutralize Judice’s striking.
FIGHT ODDS
Juliana Miller + 550
Carli Judice – 800
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
