With the world’s sporting gaze fixed on Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Ultimate Fighting Championship made sure fans in the U.S. had plenty of action to savor as UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez took center stage at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event, streamed exclusively on Paramount+, featured a stacked card and a main event with major implications for the middleweight division.
Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, stepped into the Octagon with a 29-7-0 record. He was looking to reassert his dominance following a rollercoaster stretch that saw him claim the title in a stunning upset over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, only to lose it in a razor-thin split decision to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Strickland’s resilience was on full display as he bounced back with a split decision win over Paulo Costa, before another hard-fought loss in a rematch with du Plessis. The Houston crowd buzzed with anticipation—could Strickland’s experience and grit outshine his up-and-coming opponent?
Across from him stood Anthony Hernandez, boasting a 15-2-0 record and riding high on an eight-fight win streak. Hernandez’s journey in the UFC began with turbulence—he went just 1-2 in his first three fights—but since then, he has climbed to the No. 4 spot in the official UFC middleweight rankings, just one place behind Strickland. For Hernandez, this bout wasn’t just about personal redemption; it was an opportunity to score the biggest win of his career and potentially leapfrog Strickland in the divisional pecking order.
Oddsmakers at BetMGM gave Hernandez the edge, listing him as a -285 favorite, while Strickland entered the cage as a +225 underdog. The betting lines reflected the confidence in Hernandez’s recent momentum, but if there’s anything fight fans know, it’s that Strickland thrives in the underdog role.
The action-packed evening kicked off with prelims at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Fans tuned in from across the country via Paramount+, with subscriptions starting at $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year. For those looking for a savvy streaming workaround, a 30-day free trial for Walmart+—which includes Paramount+—offered a clever way to catch the fights at no extra cost.
The main card was a showcase of talent and compelling storylines. In the welterweight division, Geoff Neal (No. 12) squared off against the tenacious Uroš Medić. Neal, a perennial contender, entered the bout after overcoming a five-year battle with substance abuse, determined to protect his standing in the rankings. Medić, meanwhile, was eager to make a statement against a seasoned opponent.
Featherweights Dan Ige (No. 14) and Melquizael Costa brought their own drama to the Octagon. Ige was looking to snap Costa’s impressive five-fight win streak, fighting with renewed focus after overcoming significant eye injuries prior to his bout with Patricio Pitbull. Costa, for his part, was eager to prove his streak was no fluke.
Heavyweight fireworks were on tap as Ante Delija faced Serghei Spivac. Delija, who suffered a surprising knockout loss to rising contender Waldo Cortes Acosta in November, was eager to get back on track after scoring two first-round knockouts in his first two UFC appearances. Spivac, a formidable challenge, was looking to spoil Delija’s comeback plans.
One of the night’s most inspiring stories featured Josiah Harrell making his long-awaited UFC debut against Jacobe Smith. Harrell’s journey to the Octagon was nothing short of miraculous—he was originally scheduled to debut at UFC 290, but a routine fight week medical screening revealed that he had Moyamoya, a rare brain disease that causes arteries supplying blood to the brain to narrow or become blocked. Nearly three years later, Harrell finally had his chance to make a first impression, facing Smith in a welterweight clash that had fans rooting for both men.
Also on the main card, Michel Pereira took on Zachary Reese in a middleweight contest, rounding out a lineup that promised, and delivered, plenty of action for fight fans.
The prelims were not to be overlooked, featuring a diverse slate of matchups: Chidi Njokuani vs. Carlos Leal Miranda at welterweight, Ode’ Osbourne vs. Alibi Idiris in the flyweight division, Alden Coria vs. Luis Gurule in another flyweight bout, Nora Cornolle vs. Joselyne Edwards at women’s bantamweight, Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Punahele Soriano at welterweight, Philip Rowe vs. Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani also at welterweight, Jordan Leavitt vs. Yadier del Valle at featherweight, and Juliana Miller vs. Carli Judice in a women’s flyweight contest.
Paramount+ has quickly become the new home for UFC, with a deal to stream all 13 UFC numbered events and 30 UFC Fight Nights annually through 2033. This exclusive arrangement gives fans access to a deep archive of past UFC fights on demand, iconic bouts, features on champions and legends, and original series like UFC Embedded and UFC Countdown. According to CBS Sports, "All Paramount+ subscribers—Premium and Essential—can also stream an extensive archive of UFC content, including a deep library of past UFC fights on demand, iconic fights and features on champions and UFC legends, series like UFC Embedded and UFC Countdown, exclusive interviews with athletes, previews of every numbered event with CBS Sports experts and much more." Fans can catch the action on virtually any device, from smart TVs and streaming sticks to phones, tablets, and gaming consoles.
For those seeking more than just the fights, Paramount+ also offers a robust lineup of hit originals, blockbuster movies, live sports from other leagues like NFL on CBS, UEFA, PGA, and NWSL, and live news from CBS News. The platform’s versatility and breadth make it a must-have for cord-cutters who want to curate their entertainment experience.
As the main event approached, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Strickland, with his trademark intensity and experience, aimed to remind the division why he once wore the belt. Hernandez, the surging contender, had eyes on the prize and the chance to cement his place among the elite. With both fighters ranked in the top five and the oddsmakers giving a slight nod to Hernandez, the outcome was far from certain—and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
With fireworks expected across the card and stories of redemption, resilience, and new beginnings, UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez delivered a night to remember in Houston. As the action continued into the Texas evening, viewers and pundits alike were left eager to see how the middleweight landscape would shift once the final bell sounded. Stay tuned for post-fight analysis and the next chapter in this ever-evolving sport!