FIGHT VIDEO: Watch Sean Strickland's Knockout of Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston

Strickland promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Sean Strickland surprised fans and MMA professionals in the best possible way at UFC Houston. After causing a stir at the 'media day', the bad boy impressed in the main event held this Saturday (21). The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) ignored his underdog status and knocked out Anthony Hernandez , the company's sensation, in the third round.

Sean Strickland , 34, is an elite athlete and former UFC middleweight champion. The American began his MMA career in 2008, debuted in the company in 2014, and won the belt in 2023. Currently, the "bad boy" is ranked third in the division. In the sport, "Tarzan" has built a record of 30 wins and seven losses. His main victories were over Anthony Hernandez , Brendan Allen , Israel Adesanya , Nassourdine Imavov , Paulo Borrachinha , and Uriah Hall.

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As expected, given that both athletes were elite and in excellent condition, the fight was balanced until the third round. Strickland's strategy was clear. A striking specialist, the former UFC champion delivered jabs, low kicks, and straight punches to Hernandez. Less technically skilled on his feet, but more aggressive, 'Fluffy' pressured the bad boy and posed a threat with crosses and uppercuts.

In the third round, the fight was no longer balanced. Strickland landed a beautiful knee to Hernandez's midsection, who immediately felt the impact. Seeing his opponent in a precarious situation, the bad boy attacked with everything he had, punishing him with crosses, straights, and uppercuts, only stopping when the referee stopped the fight. In this way, 'Tarzan' recovered in the UFC and put an end to his opponent's eight-fight winning streak.

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UFC Houston Results

MAIN CARD

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Sean Strickland defeats Anthony Hernandez by technical knockout at 2:33 of round 3.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Uros Medic defeated Geoff Neal by knockout (punches) at 1:19 of round 1.

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Melquizael Costa defeated Dan Ige by technical knockout (spinning kick and punches) at 4:56 of round 1.

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Serghei Spivac defeated Ante Delija by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jacobe Smith defeated Josiah Harrell by knockout (punches) at 3:01 of round 1.

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Michel Pereira defeated Zack Reese by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Carlos Leal defeated Chidi Njokuani by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alibi Idiris defeated Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alden Coria defeated Luis Gurule by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Joselyne Edwards defeated Nora Cornolle by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:24 of round 2.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Punahele Soriano defeated Ramiz Brahimaj by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani defeated Phil Rowe by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Jordan Leavitt defeated Yadier del Valle by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 65,7 kg): Carli Judice defeated Juliana Miller by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Watch Strickland's knockout of Hernandez.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS 🧳 @SStricklandMMA earns a TKO tonight in Round 3!

[ #UFCHouston | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/rv3yq5ZLfe

— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026

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

HE'S BACK & BETTER 🫡 @SStricklandMMA gets a massive win at middleweight tonight in the #UFCHouston main event! pic.twitter.com/VTzY46oO3b

— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026