Sean Strickland, a former UFC middleweight champion, is returning to action after over a year to fight Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night in Houston, Texas. The event takes place at Toyota Center on February 21, 2026. Strickland, who last competed in Sydney at UFC 312, has a record of 29-7 and expressed satisfaction with his time off, citing recovery from injuries and focus on training teammates. He praised his training environment at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, highlighting the support from coaches and teammates, and emphasized his readiness for the fight. The bout is highly anticipated as a clash of styles: Strickland, known for high-volume striking and chain wrestling, predicts he will out-grapple Hernandez and aims for a fourth or fifth-round TKO. Hernandez, on an eight-fight win streak, is recognized for his relentless grappling and finishing ability, making this a compelling matchup. Odds favor Hernandez at -278, with Strickland at +225. During the final faceoffs, tensions rose, with Strickland telling the crowd ‘f—k you,’ adding to the fight night atmosphere. The event also features notable fighters like Geoff Neal, Dan Ige, Serghei Spivac, and Michel Pereira. The fight card offers a mix of veterans and rising contenders, with the main event potentially impacting the middleweight title picture, especially with Khamzat Chimaev as champion and division rankings in flux. Expert predictions suggest Hernandez might win a close decision due to his grappling control, though Strickland’s experience and volume striking could also sway the outcome. The event promises intense competition and a high-energy atmosphere as fighters aim for title contention.