Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland will return from a one-year layoff to face streaking contender Anthony Hernandez in February’s UFC Fight Night headliner.
Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez preview
Strickland, No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings, will compete in Australia for the fourth time in his past five fights when he heads “Down Under” yet again to the scene of his most recent bout and loss. The 34-year-old dropped a unanimous decision to then-champ Dricus Du Plessis in a title rematch, and has since been out of action nursing injuries and serving his suspension.
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With plans for an early 2026 fight, Strickland told MMA Junkie in October that he wanted Hernandez next because he was the “American Chimaev,” noting his style is similar to reigning 185-pound kingpin Khamzat Chimaev, whom Strickland has personal issues with and wants to challenge for the belt.
He will get what he asked for with No. 6-ranked Hernandez, who is on a eight-fight winning streak and most recently dismantled and submitted Roman Dolidze in a main event. The 32-year-old was scheduled to face Reinier de Ridder in a title eliminator in October, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez odds
According to DraftKings, former champ Strickland is a +180 underdog against Hernandez, who is currently a -218 betting favorite.
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How to watch Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
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Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
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Broadcast/streaming: Paramount+
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When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez: Odds for UFC Houston
