Sean Strickland is stepping back into a main event next year, and his opponent will be one of the division’s fastest risers. During the UFC 323 broadcast, the promotion revealed that Strickland will meet Anthony Hernandez in the featured bout at UFC Houston on February 21 at Toyota Center. It is the organization’s first visit to the city since early 2022.
Strickland has been absent from competition since February of this year when he dropped a second meeting with Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight championship. The loss closed the door on his attempt to reclaim the belt he first seized when he defeated Israel Adesanya in a major upset. He then split results with du Plessis across two bouts, defeated Paulo Costa to earn a rematch, and ultimately fell short when they met again.
His time on the sidelines was extended after a suspension was issued over an incident outside the octagon. In June, Strickland entered the cage at a Tuff N Uff event and made contact with Luis Hernandez moments after Hernandez secured a win over Strickland’s teammate Miles Hunsinger. The disciplinary action kept him out for the remainder of the year.
Hernandez enters this matchup riding remarkable momentum. The middleweight contender has stacked eight consecutive victories, scoring finishes against Roman Dolidze, Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov and Edmen Shahbazyan. He had been positioned for a potential number one contender clash with Reinier de Ridder in October at UFC Vancouver before an injury prevented him from competing.
Sean Strickland will take on Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Houston, Texas, Jon Anik announced during #UFC323. pic.twitter.com/Jl7UO3c3UJ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 7, 2025
Middleweight picture takes shape
Strickland’s return injects another storyline into a crowded division, especially as Hernandez continues pressing toward his first title opportunity. Their matchup brings together a former champion with a well known grind heavy style and a challenger who has gained a reputation for constant aggression and endurance.
The result in Houston could determine the next major player in the title race. Strickland is seeking to restore his place near the top, while Hernandez is looking to finally break into championship talks after years of momentum building wins.
