UFC Fight Night: Strickland Defeats Hernandez in Main Event

Former champion Sean Strickland wins key middleweight matchup in Houston

Feb. 22, 2026 at 1:00am

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UFC returned to Houston, Texas for the first time in four years with a high-stakes middleweight main event between former champion and current No. 3 ranked contender Sean Strickland and No. 4 Anthony Hernandez. In the main event, Strickland defeated Hernandez in a closely contested fight that showcased the skills of both top-ranked middleweights.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Strickland in the hunt for another shot at the UFC middleweight title, while Hernandez's loss drops him down the rankings in the stacked 185-pound division. The event marked UFC's return to the Houston market, a key fight city, after a four-year absence.

The details

In the main event, Strickland and Hernandez went the distance in a back-and-forth battle that saw both fighters have their moments. Strickland was able to utilize his superior striking and grappling skills to edge out a close decision victory over the game Hernandez. The win extends Strickland's unbeaten streak to nine fights as he continues his climb up the middleweight rankings.

  • The event took place on February 21, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
  • This was UFC's first event in Houston since 2022.

The players

Sean Strickland

A former UFC middleweight champion and the No. 3 ranked contender in the division, known for his well-rounded skill set and ability to win close, tactical fights.

Anthony Hernandez

The No. 4 ranked UFC middleweight, looking to earn a signature win over a top contender like Strickland to climb higher in the rankings.

UFC

The premier mixed martial arts organization, returning to the Houston market for the first time in four years.

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What they’re saying

“That was a tough fight, Hernandez really brought it tonight. I'm glad I was able to get the win and keep moving forward in this division.”

— Sean Strickland (ufc.com)

“I thought I had him a few times, but Strickland is a seasoned vet and he was able to weather the storm. Congrats to him, he deserved the win tonight.”

— Anthony Hernandez (ufc.com)

What’s next

Strickland will likely earn another high-profile fight against another top middleweight contender as he continues his quest to regain the UFC middleweight title. Hernandez will look to rebound and get back in the win column in his next outing.

The takeaway

The main event of UFC Fight Night in Houston was a closely contested battle between two of the top middleweights in the world, showcasing the depth and talent in the UFC's 185-pound division. Strickland's victory keeps him firmly in the title picture, while Hernandez's loss drops him down the rankings but also shows he can compete with the elite at middleweight.