UFC Fight Night Main Event Strickland vs. Hernandez Preview: Can Tarzan swing an upset against Fluffy on Saturday night? February 19, 2026 by Marc Jerbs

UFC Fight Night is set to take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston. The main card begins at 8:00 PM EST. The event signals the UFC's return to Houston and is shaping up to deliver an action-packed night inside the Octagon.

The headline bout features former middleweight champion Sean Strickland taking on surging contender Anthony Hernandez in a pivotal 185-pound showdown. Both athletes are known for relentless forward pressure and a high-output style, raising the possibility of a fast-paced battle where momentum could swing quickly-or one fighter could seize control early.

Sean "Tarzan" Strickland: The Former Champion

Strickland (29-7) returns to action following his unsuccessful bid to reclaim the middleweight title from Dricus Du Plessis last year in Sydney, Australia. In that outing, he was outworked and appeared to lack his usual intensity. However, after a year away from competition, Strickland could re-emerge refreshed and motivated—particularly with the challenge of halting Hernandez's impressive winning streak.

Technically sharp and composed, Strickland is regarded as a cerebral striker who excels at controlling distance and outpointing opponents. While often outspoken outside the cage, his in-cage style can be methodical and at times predictable. He has recorded just one finish since May 2021 but boasts an impressive 76% takedown defense and has never been submitted in his professional career.

Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez: The Rising Contender

Hernandez (15-2) has steadily climbed the middleweight ranks since 2021 and enters this contest riding an eight-fight winning streak, including two victories in 2025. Currently ranked No. 4 in the division, he has built momentum with statement wins—most notably outworking Brendan Allen in Seattle and dominating Roman Dolidze en route to a fourth-round submission victory last August.

Known for his grappling prowess and relentless pace, Hernandez thrives on breaking opponents down physically and mentally. He views Strickland as a favorable stylistic matchup, despite the former champion's elite defensive striking. This marks Hernandez's third main event appearance in his last four fights, and a victory could firmly place him in title contention.

Strickland vs. Hernandez Sports Bet Odds

Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez is the favorite to win the match. Here are our latest odds:

• Hernandez as the favorite has a money line of -255 while Strickland as the underdog has +215.
• Fluffy winning by points has a money line of +140.
• Strickland winning via KO/TKO or DQ has a money line of +535.

Stylistic Matchup Analysis

Both fighters prefer to press forward, dictate tempo, and overwhelm opponents with volume. Strickland's strengths lie in his crisp boxing and defensive awareness, while Hernandez excels in transitions, submissions, and grinding control.

If Strickland successfully defends most of Hernandez's takedown attempts, he could keep the fight standing and implement his “stick-and-move” approach, potentially exploiting Hernandez's 49% striking defense. On the other hand, if Hernandez secures even a few takedowns, he could shift the fight's tone entirely controlling position, landing ground-and-pound, and forcing Strickland to hesitate in future exchanges.

Given what's at stake for both men—a former champion seeking redemption and a contender on the cusp of a breakthrough—this middleweight clash is unlikely to be cautious or uneventful.

Final Thought

This bout represents a crossroads moment in the UFC's middleweight division. For Strickland, it's about proving he still belongs among the elite. For Hernandez, it's a chance to turn momentum into a title shot opportunity. Expect a high-paced, high-stakes contest that could significantly reshape the championship picture at 185 pounds.

Strickland vs. Hernandez Tale of the Tape

Sean "Tarzan" Strickland #3		Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez #4
29-7-0	Record	15-2-0, 1NC
Loss	Last Fight	Win
6' 1"	Height	6' 0"
185.0 LBS	Weight	185.0 LBS
76.0"	Reach	75.0"
41.5"	Leg Reach	40.0"
42%	Significant Strikes	62%
60%	Strikes Defense	49%
64%	Takedown Accuracy	48%
76%	Takedown Defense	68%