Former UFC Champion Predicts Outcome of Strickland vs. Hernandez Middleweight Clash

Belal Muhammad breaks down the key factors in the UFC Houston main event fight between former champion Sean Strickland and rising contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A middleweight bout between former champion Sean Strickland and rising contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez headlines the UFC Houston fight card on Saturday. Former welterweight titleholder Belal Muhammad analyzed the matchup, highlighting Strickland's strengths in the jab and teep kick, as well as Hernandez's potential weakness to body shots. Muhammad ultimately predicted that Hernandez will need to attack early, pressure Strickland, and prevent him from settling into his rhythm in order to pull off the victory.

Why it matters

This main event fight could determine the next title challenger in the UFC middleweight division, making it a high-stakes matchup with significant implications. Strickland is looking to bounce back from a loss and regain his spot near the top of the rankings, while Hernandez is aiming to continue his rise and earn a shot at the championship.

The details

Strickland, ranked #3 in the middleweight division, is coming off a loss to former champion Dricus du Plessis. Hernandez, on an eight-fight winning streak, will look to capitalize on Strickland's tendency to get hit to the body as he tries to pressure the former champ and disrupt his rhythm.

  • The UFC Houston event takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Sean Strickland

A former UFC middleweight champion with a professional record of 29-7, currently ranked #3 in the division.

Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez

A rising middleweight contender with a 14-2 (1 NC) record, riding an eight-fight winning streak.

Belal Muhammad

A former UFC welterweight title challenger who provided analysis and a prediction for the Strickland vs. Hernandez main event.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to try to be as unbiased as possible because I hate Strickland and I think he sucks. I'll break it down. I'll give my keys for Strickland. You know what he's going to come out and do. He's going to talk, say stupid stuff through fight week. But, he's going to throw out his jab. He's going to throw out that teep. I'm going to say over 150 teep kicks for Strickland.”

— Belal Muhammad, Former UFC Welterweight Title Challenger (YouTube)

“For Hernandez, I think you've got to shoot early. You've got to attack early. You've got to get him working early. Strickland has been in a lot of five-round fights and he knows how to keep a pace where he gets the guy on his rhythm, following him, trying to figure out his defensive style. But if you're coming forward, shooting in on his body, not shooting in on the legs, making him work, frustrating him, not giving him any chance to hit you with the jab, hit you with the teep kick. You've got to attack him. You've got to move forward. You've got to get him on the fence right away.”

— Belal Muhammad, Former UFC Welterweight Title Challenger (YouTube)

What’s next

The winner of the Strickland vs. Hernandez fight could earn a title shot in the UFC middleweight division.

The takeaway

This main event matchup between a former champion and a rising contender has the potential to shake up the middleweight rankings and determine the next title challenger. Strickland's experience and technical striking will be tested by Hernandez's aggressive pressure and grappling, making for a compelling stylistic clash with high stakes.