Tonight under the bright lights of the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Sean Strickland captured a highlight worthy third round knockout of Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez.
Through the first two rounds, Strickland was utilizing his jab well, as always, but was also coming through with straight rights that were continuously landing flush. That said, Hernandez stood his ground and kept up with the high-volume boxing of his opponent.
Going into the third round, many were scoring the fight quite close so far, but things changed quickly when Strickland connected with a knee to the midsection of Hernandez. The strike made “Fluffy ” retreat for one of the first times in the match, but Strickland was all over him with more volumetric punching.
Eventually, the onslaught from Strickland was too much to handle, and Hernandez dropped to the canvas. Referee Herb Dean called a stop to the action shortly after, as the downed fighter was not defending intelligently.
Walked him down in H-Town 💥
Hear this Houston crowd when @SStricklandMMA got his TKO!
[ #UFCHouston | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/VWcSTKKYlH
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026
In this fight Strickland once again showed his ability to keep the fight standing through his excellent takedown defense. Additionally, he used his jab strategically to set up bigger punches and catch Hernandez attempting to counter too often.
After putting an end to Hernandez’s eight-fight win streak, Strickland showed enormous respect for his opponent, which was a surprise to some considering the amount of trash talk from his end before the fight. During his post-fight interview, Strickland also called for a bout with current middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev, who he regularly speaks about negatively in interviews and on social media.
Four of the very best at #UFCHouston 🤩@SStricklandMMA, @Urketaraketa, @MelkCostaCauthy & Jacobe Smith notched POTN bonuses tonight!
[ B2YB @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/oyK4RFFRuI
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026
UFC Houston Full Card Results
Main Card
- Sean Strickland def Anthony Hernandez via TKO (Knee and Punches) – Round 3, 2:33
- Uros Medic def. Geoff Neal via KO (Left Hook) – Round 1, 1:19
- Melquizael Costa def. Dan Ige via KO (Spinning Back Kick to Ground Punches) – Round 1, 4:56
- Serghei Spivac def. Ante Delija via Decision (Unanimous)
- Jacobe Smith def. Josiah Harrell via KO (Strikes from Side Control)
- Michel Pereira def. Zach Reese via Decision (Split)
Prelims
- Carlos Leal def. Chidi Njokuani via Decision (Unanimous)
- Alibi Idiris def. Ode Osbourne via Decision (Unanimous)
- Alden Coria def. Luis Gurule via Decision (Unanimous)
- Joselyne Edwards def. Nora Cornolle via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 2:44
- Punahele Soriano def. Ramiz Brahimaj via Decision (Unanimous)
- Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Phil Rowe via Decision (Split)
- Jordan Leavitt def. Yadier del Valle via Decision (Unanimous)
- Carli Judice def. Juliana Miller via Decision (Unanimous)
(Results h/t Tapology.com)