UFC Houston MMA Match Preview: Sean Strickland (29-7-0) vs. Anthony Hernandez (15-2-0)
Event Overview
The UFC returns to Houston for a highly anticipated Fight Night card headlined by a middleweight showdown between former champion Sean Strickland and surging contender Anthony Hernandez. This event features a mix of title implications and exciting matchups across divisions, with the main event potentially positioning the winner for a shot at the middleweight belt. Houston’s passionate MMA fanbase is expected to create an electric atmosphere at the Toyota Center, marking the promotion’s first visit to the city since 2022.
- Venue Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States. This arena seats up to 19,000 for MMA events and is equipped with modern facilities, having hosted multiple UFC cards known for high-energy crowds.
- Prelims begin at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PST), with the main card starting at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST). The Strickland vs. Hernandez main event is expected around 11:00 PM ET, streaming on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Sean Strickland has been dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during training with Reinier de Ridder, for which he sought stem cell treatment in Colombia approximately nine to ten weeks before the fight. He described being unable to move his arm initially but has since recovered sufficiently to compete. No other major injuries have been reported for Strickland leading into this bout. Anthony Hernandez withdrew from a scheduled main event in September 2025 due to a painful injury, described as “horrible” and likely an abdominal or oblique tear, which he is still managing but confirms he will be healthy for the fight. Both fighters appear cleared and ready, with no last-minute withdrawals anticipated.
Fighter Matchups: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
This middleweight main event features Strickland’s pressure striking and durability against Hernandez’s elite grappling and submission game. A five-round affair, it could go the distance if Strickland keeps it standing, but Hernandez’s takedown prowess suggests a potential ground battle with a 60% finish probability.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Sean Strickland (“Tarzan”)
- Record: 29-7-0
- Age: 34
- Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 76″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: High-volume striking (5.95 significant strikes per minute); excellent takedown defense (over 70%); cardio for five rounds; wins over top competition.
- Weaknesses: Susceptible to power shots in recent losses; grappling vulnerabilities if taken down.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Dricus Du Plessis | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jun 1, 2024 | Paulo Costa | Win | Split Decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jan 20, 2024 | Dricus Du Plessis | Loss | Split Decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Sep 9, 2023 | Israel Adesanya | Win | Unanimous Decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jul 1, 2023 | Abusupiyan Magomedov | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 / 4:20 |
Strickland is 3-2 in his last five, with notable wins but losses in title fights.
Anthony Hernandez (“Fluffy”)
- Record: 15-2-0
- Age: 32
- Height/Reach: 6’0″ / 75″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Elite submissions (9 career wins); strong wrestling (4.59 takedowns per 15 minutes); finishing ability (12 stoppages); eight-fight win streak.
- Weaknesses: Striking defense (44% absorption); limited experience against former champions.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Aug 9, 2025 | Roman Dolidze | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 4 / 2:45 |
| Feb 22, 2025 | Brendan Allen | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Oct 19, 2024 | Michel Pereira | Win | TKO (Punches) | 5 / 2:22 |
| Mar 9, 2024 | Roman Kopylov | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 / 3:23 |
| Sep 16, 2023 | Roman Kopylov | NC | No Contest (Accidental Clash of Heads) | 3 / 0:39 |
Hernandez is on an eight-fight win streak (excluding NC), with four finishes in his last five.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez. No prior encounters or significant common opponents provide direct comparisons, but stylistically, Strickland’s stand-up pressure could clash with Hernandez’s grappling dominance.
FIGHT ODDS
Sean Strickland + 230
Anthony Hernandez – 285
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
