UFC Houston: Strickland vs. Hernandez Headline Middleweight Clash

Former champion Strickland faces rising contender Hernandez in main event at Toyota Center

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The UFC returns to Houston, Texas for a middleweight main event between former champion Sean Strickland and surging contender Anthony Hernandez. The card also features an intriguing welterweight clash between undefeated prospects Jacobe Smith and Josiah Harrell.

Why it matters

This high-stakes middleweight bout could determine the next title challenger, as Strickland looks to remain in contention while Hernandez aims to break into the elite with a signature win. The welterweight fight also spotlights two rising stars looking to take the next step in their careers.

The details

The UFC Houston event takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The main card airs live on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET, following the prelims which begin at 5 p.m. ET. In the main event, former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland faces off against surging contender Anthony Hernandez in a five-round clash. The co-main event features an intriguing welterweight bout between undefeated prospects Jacobe Smith and Josiah Harrell.

  • The UFC event takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Sean Strickland

A former UFC middleweight champion and current top-3 contender looking to remain in title contention.

Anthony Hernandez

A rising middleweight contender riding an eight-fight win streak, aiming to earn a title shot with a win over Strickland.

Jacobe Smith

An undefeated welterweight prospect with two wins in the UFC, facing another unbeaten fighter in Josiah Harrell.

Josiah Harrell

An undefeated welterweight making his UFC debut after overcoming a rare brain condition that nearly ended his career.

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What they’re saying

“This is a high-stakes fight that could determine the next title challenger at middleweight.”

— Brian Mazique, Forbes Contributor (Forbes)

“Harrell's comeback story after brain surgery makes this welterweight fight a must-watch on the undercard.”

— Brian Mazique, Forbes Contributor (Forbes)

What’s next

The winner of the Strickland vs. Hernandez main event will likely earn a title eliminator or direct shot at UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

The takeaway

UFC Houston features a compelling main event between a former champion looking to regain his spot atop the division and a rising contender seeking a career-defining win, while the undercard showcases the next generation of welterweight talent.