TLDR
- Sean Strickland (29-7) faces Anthony Hernandez (15-2) in the UFC Houston main event on February 21 at Toyota Center
- Hernandez enters on an eight-fight winning streak with six finishes and four performance bonuses
- Strickland defeated Paulo Costa between two title losses to current champion Dricus Du Plessis
- Hernandez believes Strickland is a perfect stylistic matchup and plans to match his aggressive energy
- The event marks the first UFC Fight Night on the road in 2026
Sources: Bloody Elbow | BetMGM | Sherdog
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland will face rising contender Anthony Hernandez in the main event at UFC Houston on Saturday, February 21 at the Toyota Center. The fight marks the first UFC Fight Night on the road in 2026.
Strickland enters the bout with a 29-7 record after defeating Paulo Costa in his most recent fight. The former champion has now lost twice in title fights against current champion Dricus Du Plessis, with a win over Costa sandwiched between those defeats.
Hernandez brings an eight-fight winning streak into the matchup with a record of 15-2. The fighter known as “Fluffy” has earned six finishes and four performance bonuses during his current run.
It's #UFCHouston Fight Week 🇺🇸
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez
Live Sunday | 🇦🇺 Paramount+ | 🇳🇿 TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/xZvT1eMlBa
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) February 16, 2026
Hernandez Confident in Stylistic Matchup
Hernandez told the UFC he believes Strickland is the perfect opponent for him stylistically. “The way he fights, I think it’s like stylistically the perfect fight for me,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez is known for wearing down his opponents with pressure. Strickland also uses forward pressure but combines it with elite defensive striking that typically counters pressure grapplers.
Despite this challenge, Hernandez remains confident in his approach. “I think he’s very good, and I respect the f—k out of him. I know he’s tough. I know what he brings to the table, but I think I’m different,” he said.
Hernandez declared his belief that he deserves to be world champion. “I believe that I’m worthy to be the world champion,” he stated.
Energy and Aggression Expected
Strickland is known for his wild personality and aggressive fighting style. Hernandez said he welcomes that energy and plans to match it.
“This one actually makes me super f—-ing excited because I love the matched energy,” Hernandez told the UFC. “If someone wants to get crazy, it’s like, ‘Bitch, run it.’ I’m all in for it.”
Hernandez expressed enthusiasm about testing himself against a respected opponent. “I get to go out there, show what I can do against a tough motherf—-er that everyone respects,” he said.
The fighter vowed to make his game plan work regardless of the challenges. “I’m going to make it happen. You know me. I find my same ways always there, man,” Hernandez said.
The event takes place Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston. It serves as the first UFC Fight Night event on the road for 2026 after the promotion began the year with events at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Both fighters are looking to position themselves for title contention in the middleweight division. Strickland seeks to return to championship status after his recent losses to Du Plessis, while Hernandez aims to prove his winning streak has earned him a shot at the top.
