UFC Houston payouts: How much are Sean Strickland, Anthony Hernandez & others getting paid? Reported & estimated salaries
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.
Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez estimated payout
Sean Strickland continues to operate in the upper tier of UFC earners at middleweight. According to reports, his disclosed career fight purses have surpassed $6.1 million, with overall net worth estimates ranging between $2 million and $5 million.
Since becoming a main-event staple, Strickland’s fight-night paydays have routinely crossed the seven-figure mark.
His biggest reported purse came at UFC 293 in September 2023, where MARCA estimated he earned approximately $1.53 million in his title-winning upset over Israel Adesanya. That figure reportedly included base salary, win bonus, and pay-per-view points.
Subsequent bouts have remained in that range, including a reported $1.22 million against Paulo Costa at UFC 302 and roughly $1.03 million in his 2025 clash with Dricus du Plessis.
Anthony Hernandez, meanwhile, is climbing steadily up the pay ladder. His estimated payout at UFC Vegas 109 in August 2025 reached around $616,000, boosted by a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Earlier in 2024, he reportedly earned about $132,000 for defeating Roman Kopylov. With an extended winning streak and rising ranking, Hernandez’s compensation is trending toward main-event territory.
UFC Fight Night Strickland vs Hernandez other main card payouts
The co-main event between Geoff Neal and Uros Medic presents a clear financial contrast. Neal has reportedly surpassed $1.3 million in career UFC earnings, with recent fight purses landing in the $200,000 range, reflecting his tenure as a ranked welterweight. Medic, meanwhile, has earned significantly less in disclosed pay, with prior compliance payouts around $6,000 and overall estimates typically below six figures unless boosted by performance bonuses.
At featherweight, Dan Ige continues to benefit from consistent bonus-winning performances, often pushing his total compensation into the low-to-mid six figures. His opponent, Melquizael Costa, is still earlier in his UFC earning cycle, with reported purses generally sitting below $100,000.
Heavyweight contenders Serghei Spivac and Ante Delija both operate in the mid-tier pay bracket, with Spivac typically earning in the mid-six figures and Delija’s estimates trailing slightly behind. Prospects Jacobe Smith, Josiah Harrell, Zachary Reese, and Michel Pereira round out the card with estimated payouts aligned with their most recent reported figures.
Main card fighters’ payouts
| Fighter | Reported / Estimated Payout |
| Sean Strickland | $1,200,000 – $1,500,000 |
| Anthony Hernandez | $600,000 – $650,000 |
| Geoff Neal | $200,000 |
| Uros Medic | $80,000 |
| Dan Ige | $150,000 |
| Melquizael Costa | $60,000 |
| Serghei Spivac | $250,000 |
| Ante Delija | $120,000 |
| Jacobe Smith | $40,000 |
| Josiah Harrell | $40,000 |
| Zachary Reese | $75,000 |
| Michel Pereira | $180,000 |
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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