UFC Fight Night Strickland vs Hernandez: Match card, start time, where to watch & more
(Courtesy : UFC)
This UFC Fight Night will emanate from Houston!
The UFC returns to the road in emphatic fashion this Saturday as UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez lands at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Stacked with divisional consequences and stylistic fireworks, the first Fight Night away from the Apex this year feels less like a routine stop and more like a statement card.
Headlining the event is a pivotal middleweight clash between former champion Sean Strickland and surging contender Anthony Hernandez. For Strickland, it’s an opportunity to reassert himself in a crowded title picture after falling short in his most recent championship bid. For “Fluffy” Hernandez, it’s the biggest stage of his career, a chance to extend his streak and vault directly into elite contention.
Beyond the main event, the card is layered with compelling matchups. Geoff Neal faces Uros Medic in a high-impact welterweight showdown, Dan Ige meets Melquizael Costa in a featherweight test of experience versus momentum, and heavyweight contenders Serghei Spivac and Ante Delija collide in what promises to be a physical encounter.
Rising prospects Jacobe Smith and Zachary Reese also get meaningful assignments against Josiah Harrell and Michel Pereira, respectively.
The prelims add further intrigue, featuring veterans like Chidi Njokuani and Ramiz Brahimaj alongside divisional staples such as Ode’ Osbourne and Juliana Miller.
With a blend of prospects, proven names, and Texas ties eager to perform in front of a Houston crowd, UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez promises action from the opening bell to the final horn.
UFC Fight Night Strickland vs Hernandez: Main card
- Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)
- Geoff Neal vs Uros Medic (Welterweight)
- Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)
- Serghei Spivac vs Ante Delija (Heavyweight)
- Jacobe Smith vs Josiah Harrell (Welterweight)
- Zachary Reese vs Michel Pereira (Middleweight)
UFC Fight Night Strickland vs Hernandez: Preliminary card
- Chidi Njokuani vs Carlos Leal (Welterweight)
- Ode’ Osbourne vs Alibi Idiris (Flyweight)
- Alden Coria vs Luis Gurule (Flyweight)
- Nora Cornolle vs Joselyne Edwards (Women’s Bantamweight)
- Ramiz Brahimaj vs Punahele Soriano (Welterweight)
- Phil Rowe vs Jean Paul Lebosnoyani (Welterweight)
- Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle (Featherweight)
- Juliana Miller vs Carli Judice (Women’s Flyweight)
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez
Middleweight contenders with title aspirations collide in the main event as Sean Strickland takes on Anthony Hernandez in a bout with major divisional implications.
Strickland returns for the first time since falling short in his attempt to reclaim the championship from Dricus Du Plessis in Sydney. The former titleholder was outpaced that night, but a year to reset and a high-stakes matchup against a surging contender could be exactly what he needs to reestablish himself among the elite.
Hernandez, meanwhile, has quietly built one of the division’s strongest winning streaks, climbing to No. 4 in the rankings with relentless performances. His victories over Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze showcased his pace, pressure, and finishing ability.
Both men thrive on forward pressure and high output, making a cautious stalemate unlikely. With so much at stake, expect a high-intensity battle that reshapes the middleweight landscape.
Date, Time, and Venue for UFC Houston Strickland vs Hernandez
| Information | Details |
| Event Name | UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez |
| Date | Saturday, February 21, 2026 (Sunday, February 22 in India/UK/Australia) |
| Location | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Venue | Toyota Center |
| Capacity | Approximately 18,000 |
| Prelims Start Time (US) | 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT |
| Main Card Start Time (US) | 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT |
| Main Event Cage Walks (US) | Approx. 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT |
| Prelims Start Time (India) | 3:30 AM IST (Sunday, February 22) |
| Main Card Start Time (India) | 6:30 AM IST (Sunday, February 22) |
| Main Event Cage Walks (India) | Approx. 8:00 AM IST (Sunday, February 22) |
| Prelims Start Time (UK) | 11:00 PM GMT (Saturday, February 21) |
| Main Card Start Time (UK) | 2:00 AM GMT (Sunday, February 22) |
| Main Event Cage Walks (UK) | Approx. 4:30 AM GMT (Sunday, February 22) |
| Where to Watch (US) | Paramount+ |
| Where to Watch (UK & Europe) | UFC Fight Pass |
| Where to Watch (India) | Sony LIV / UFC Fight Pass |
| Where to Watch (Australia) | UFC Fight Pass / Kayo Sports |
When is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez?
The event takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Due to time zone differences, the card will air early Sunday, February 22, in India, the UK, and Australia.
What time does the event start?
The prelims begin at 6:00 PM ET (3:30 AM IST), with the main card starting at 9:00 PM ET (6:30 AM IST). Main event cage walks are expected around 11:30 PM ET, depending on the length of the undercard bouts.
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