UFC Fighter Anthony Hernandez Vows to 'Torture' Sean Strickland Over Racist Social Media Post

Hernandez responds to Strickland's controversial AI-generated image depicting him in stereotypical Mexican attire

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As Anthony Hernandez prepares to face Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC Fight Night 267 in Houston, he has vowed to 'torture' his opponent in the octagon after Strickland posted a 'f*cked up' AI-generated image of Hernandez in a stereotypical Mexican sombrero and poncho. Hernandez, who was born in California, says the post does not faze him but he is ready to settle the score physically in the fight.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of racism and insensitivity in the world of combat sports, where fighters sometimes use controversial tactics to try to get into their opponents' heads. Hernandez's strong response reflects the growing calls for accountability and respect within the MMA community.

The details

Hernandez, the #4 ranked UFC Middleweight, said he 'laughed' when he saw Strickland's AI-generated image depicting him in stereotypical Mexican attire, but added that it was 'f*cked up' and he doesn't like seeing his 'people' subjected to that kind of treatment. However, Hernandez said the post won't affect him and he's focused on 'torturing' Strickland in their fight on Saturday night in Houston.

  • UFC Fight Night 267 takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

The players

Anthony Hernandez

A #4 ranked UFC Middleweight fighter who was born in Dunnigan, California.

Sean Strickland

The current UFC Middleweight Champion who recently posted a controversial AI-generated image of Hernandez in stereotypical Mexican attire.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I laughed when I seen that sh*t. I was like, if that's the best you've got to get in my head, it's going to be a long f*cking night. That shit does not faze me. It's f*cked up, yeah, and I don't like seeing shit like that. I don't like that my people have got to go through sh*t like that, but it's f*cking life and that's the reality of it. Some people are just dirtbags and like to bring it up.”

— Anthony Hernandez (New York Post)

“I'm going to f*cking torture him.”

— Anthony Hernandez (New York Post)

What’s next

Hernandez and Strickland will face off in the main event of UFC Fight Night 267 on Saturday, February 22, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of racism and insensitivity that still exist in the world of combat sports, where fighters sometimes resort to controversial tactics to try to gain an edge over their opponents. Hernandez's strong response reflects the growing calls for accountability and respect within the MMA community.