HOUSTON, TEXAS – Mixed martial arts fans will be tuning in tonight as Americans Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez face off in the main event of UFC Fight Night, live from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The event marks a return to action for Strickland after a six-month suspension, and a chance for Hernandez to continue a winning streak.
The preliminary card began at at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT, with the main card scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. The event is being livestreamed exclusively on Paramount+, with a subscription starting at $8.99/month for access to all UFC events.
Hernandez, currently ranked fourth in the middleweight division, expressed confidence heading into the bout, predicting a “war” and a “bloody” fight against Strickland. He is aiming for a ninth consecutive victory. Strickland, a former champion, is returning to the octagon after serving a suspension stemming from an incident where he confronted a fighter while working as a corner man at a Las Vegas event last June.
The main card features a welterweight bout between Geoff Neal and Uros Medic, a featherweight contest between Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa, a heavyweight clash between Serghei Spivac and Ante Delija, and a welterweight fight pitting Jacobe Smith against Josiah Harrell. Zachary Reese will also face Michel Pereira.
The preliminary card is equally stacked, with Chidi Njokuani taking on Carlos Leal, Ode’ Osbourne facing Alibi Idiris, Alden Coria battling Luis Gurule, Nora Cornolle competing against Joselyne Edwards, Ramiz Brahimaj squaring off against Punahele Soriano, and Phil Rowe meeting Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani. Rounding out the prelims are Jordan Leavitt versus Yadier del Valle, and Juliana Miller against Carli Judice.
Strickland (29-7-0) is known for his aggressive fighting style and outspoken personality. His return to competition has been keenly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. Hernandez (15-2-0) represents a significant challenge, having established himself as a formidable force in the middleweight division with his recent string of victories.
The event takes place against a backdrop of a busy February for sports fans, coming shortly after Super Bowl LX and coinciding with the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2, a major numbered event, has been postponed until March, making UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez a prominent fixture on the combat sports calendar.
The fight card offers a diverse range of matchups, showcasing talent from the United States, Brazil, Serbia, Cuba, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Panama, and Croatia. The event provides a platform for both established fighters and rising stars to compete on a national stage.
The outcome of the main event could have significant implications for the middleweight division. A victory for Strickland could propel him back into title contention, while a win for Hernandez would further solidify his position among the division’s elite. The fights promise a night of intense action for MMA fans.
