UFC Houston Features Strickland-Hernandez
UFC Houston on February 21 will feature Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez as the main event, with Brazilian Melk Costa eyeing a strong 2026 start after recording four wins in 2025. The card represents another step in the UFC's packed schedule of nine straight weeks of events through March.
- The main event carries significant weight for the middleweight division, as the winner between former champion Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez could be next in line for a title shot. - Strickland is aiming to re-enter title contention after losing the championship in his previous fight, while Hernandez is riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak. - This event marks the UFC's tenth visit to Houston and the first since UFC 271 in February 2022. - Brazilian featherweight Melquizael "Melk" Costa, who is featured on the main card against Dan Ige, secured his four victories in 2025 with two decisions, a first-round submission of Andre Fili, and a first-round knockout of Morgan Charriere. - The co-main event features a welterweight bout between Geoff Neal and Uros Medic. - Welterweight Josiah Harrell, who is also on the main card, is making his UFC debut after recovering from a rare brain condition that nearly ended his career. - Following the Houston card, the UFC's schedule includes a Fight Night in Mexico City on February 28. - The run of events continues in March with UFC 326 in Las Vegas on the 7th, followed by Fight Nights in London on the 21st and Seattle on the 28th.
