The UFC is back in Houston — and it’s bringing serious middleweight heat.
UFC® returns to Toyota Center for the first time in four years with UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: STRICKLAND vs. HERNANDEZ, headlined by a pivotal clash between No. 3 ranked Sean Strickland and No. 4 ranked Anthony Hernandez. The event takes place Saturday, February 21, marking a crucial night for the 185-pound title picture.
The prelims kick off at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, with all bouts streaming live on Paramount+.
Main Event: A Title Picture Collision
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland (29-7) returns looking to reassert himself as a top contender. Fighting out of Corona, California, Strickland’s rise to the belt was fueled by statement victories over elite competition including Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa, and Nassourdine Imavov. Known for his relentless pressure, sharp boxing, and unapologetic persona, Strickland now seeks a decisive win to put himself right back in championship contention.
Standing across from him is surging contender Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez (15-2, 1 NC), who enters the bout riding an impressive eight-fight win streak. Fighting out of Dunnigan, California, Hernandez has overwhelmed opponents with pace, cardio, and opportunistic grappling, earning notable victories over Brendan Allen, Roman Dolidze, and Michel Pereira. A win over a former champion would cement Hernandez as a legitimate next-in-line threat for UFC gold.
Stacked Fight Card in Houston
The Houston crowd will be treated to a deep card loaded with ranked matchups, rising prospects, and fan favorites:
- Featherweight: No. 14 Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa
- Heavyweight: No. 7 Serghei Spivac vs. Ante Delija
- Middleweight: Zachary Reese vs. Michel Pereira
- Featherweight: Jordan Leavitt vs. Yadier del Valle
- Welterweight: Austin Vanderford vs. Jean Paul Lebosnoyani
- Flyweight: Alden Coria vs. Luis Gurule
- Bantamweight: No. 12 Nora Cornolle vs. No. 14 Joselyne Edwards
- Welterweight: Jacobe Smith vs. Seokhyeon Ko
- Flyweight: Ode’ Osbourne vs. Alibi Idiris
- Bantamweight: Juliana Miller vs. Carli Judice
- Welterweight: Chidi Njokuani vs. Carlos Leal
The card features multiple Dana White’s Contender Series alumni, rising international talent, and local Texas fighters looking to make statements on a major stage.
Ticket Information
Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: STRICKLAND vs. HERNANDEZ go on sale Friday, January 9 at 8 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. CT via AXS.com and ToyotaCenter.com, with a limit of eight tickets per person.
- UFC Fight Club® presale: Wednesday, January 7 at 8 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. CT
- UFC Newsletter presale: Thursday, January 8 at 8 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. CT (registration required at UFC.com)
With divisional stakes on the line, Houston’s long-awaited UFC return promises intensity, implications, and a potential title eliminator at the top of the card.
For the latest updates and bout announcements, visit UFC.com. All bouts are subject to change.
