The Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, was absolutely buzzing on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as UFC Fight Night delivered a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action. With the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics dominating headlines earlier in the month, it was high time for the Ultimate Fighting Championship to reclaim the spotlight with a stacked card headlined by a pivotal middleweight showdown: Sean Strickland versus Anthony Hernandez.
The main event had all the makings of a classic. Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, entered the Octagon with a record of 29-7-0. Strickland’s journey back to prominence has been anything but straightforward. After shocking the world by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, he lost the title in a razor-thin split decision to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Not one to stay down, Strickland bounced back with a hard-fought split decision win over Paulo Costa, only to fall again to du Plessis in a championship rematch. Every fight since has been a test of resilience and grit, and the Houston crowd knew they were in for a treat.
Across the cage stood Anthony Hernandez, an American fighter on a meteoric rise. With a record of 15-2-0, Hernandez’s journey in the UFC has been a story of perseverance. His early days in the promotion were rocky, going 1-2 in his first three appearances, but he’s since rattled off eight consecutive wins, climbing to the No. 4 spot in the official UFC middleweight rankings—just one place behind Strickland himself. The momentum was firmly in Hernandez’s corner, and oddsmakers at BetMGM agreed, installing him as a -285 favorite, while Strickland was a +225 underdog. But if there’s one thing fight fans know, it’s that odds mean little once the cage door closes.
The event was available exclusively to stream on Paramount+, marking a new era for UFC broadcasting. With a seven-year deal in place, Paramount+ has become the home for all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights through 2033. Subscriptions started at $8.99 per month, and for those looking to catch the action without commitment, a 30-day free trial via Walmart+—which includes Paramount+—was a clever workaround. The platform’s accessibility on nearly every device imaginable made it easier than ever for fans to tune in, whether on smart TVs, phones, tablets, or gaming consoles.
The main card kicked off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, following a robust slate of prelims that began three hours earlier. The fight card spanned nearly every division, promising fireworks from start to finish. In the co-main event, welterweight contenders Geoff Neal and Uros Medic clashed, both looking to solidify their places in a crowded division. Neal, ranked No. 12, has battled personal demons, overcoming a five-year struggle with substance abuse to return to the Octagon. Medic, meanwhile, brought tenacity and a hunger for a statement win.
Elsewhere on the main card, featherweight veteran Dan Ige faced Melquizael Costa, who entered the bout riding a five-fight win streak. Ige, ranked No. 14, has had his own share of adversity, including eye injuries that nearly derailed his career before his fight with Patricio Pitbull. Heavyweight action came courtesy of Serghei Spivac and Ante Delija. Delija, after suffering a shocking knockout loss to Waldo Cortes Acosta in November, was eager to reassert himself following a pair of first-round knockouts in his first two UFC outings. Spivac, always a tough out, was ready to spoil those plans.
A particularly heartwarming storyline unfolded in the welterweight ranks. Josiah Harrell, scheduled to make his UFC debut against Jacobe Smith, had his initial opportunity derailed nearly three years ago when doctors discovered he had Moyamoya, a rare and serious brain disease, during fight week medicals. After an arduous journey back to health, Harrell finally got his shot on this card—a testament to his perseverance and the UFC’s commitment to fighter safety.
The prelims were no less exciting, featuring up-and-comers and seasoned veterans alike. The lineup included Chidi Njokuani vs. Carlos Leal Miranda, Ode’ Osbourne vs. Alibi Idiris, Alden Coria vs. Luis Gurule, Nora Cornolle vs. Joselyne Edwards, Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Punahele Soriano, Philip Rowe vs. Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani, Jordan Leavitt vs. Yadier del Valle, and Juliana Miller vs. Carli Judice. Each bout brought its own intrigue, with fighters looking to make a name for themselves on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
As the main event approached, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Strickland, known for his relentless pressure and unfiltered bravado, was determined to remind everyone why he once held the belt. Hernandez, meanwhile, was eager to seize the biggest opportunity of his career and cement his place among the elite. The stakes couldn’t have been higher: a win for Strickland would signal a return to title contention, while a victory for Hernandez would mark the arrival of a new force in the division.
Throughout fight week, both men exuded confidence. Strickland, never one to mince words, told reporters, "I’m here to fight anyone, anywhere. Hernandez is tough, but I’m tougher. Let’s see what he’s made of." Hernandez, for his part, kept things focused: "I’ve worked my whole life for this moment. I know what I bring to the table. Saturday night, I’m going to prove I belong at the top."
The fight itself did not disappoint. Strickland’s experience and striking acumen were on full display, while Hernandez’s grit and well-rounded game kept the contest razor close through the early rounds. The Houston crowd roared with every exchange, sensing the magnitude of what was unfolding. It was a back-and-forth affair, with each man having his moments and neither willing to give an inch.
But it wasn’t just the main event that left fans buzzing. The entire card delivered, from the technical battles on the prelims to the high-stakes drama of the main card. Serghei Spivac earned a unanimous decision over Ante Delija, while the undercard saw impressive performances from the likes of Carlos Leal, Alibi Idiris, Alden Coria, and Punahele Soriano. Each result added another layer to an already compelling night of fights.
For those who couldn’t make it to the Toyota Center, Paramount+ offered a seamless viewing experience, streaming every bout live and on demand. With this new partnership, fans can look forward to even greater access to UFC content, from live events to a deep archive of legendary fights and exclusive features.
As the dust settled in Houston, one thing was clear: UFC Fight Night had delivered on its promise of high-octane action, compelling storylines, and unforgettable moments. With the middleweight division as competitive as ever, the results from this card are sure to have ripple effects for months to come. Fight fans everywhere will be eagerly awaiting what’s next for both Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez, as well as the many fighters who made their mark in H-Town.