This is the live blog for Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez, the middleweight main event for Saturday’s UFC Houston card at Toyota Center in the Lone Star State.
Strickland returns to action after over a year out of the octagon looking to get back on track after dropping two of his past three. The former middleweight champion lost the title to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 in January 2024 before bouncing back with a decision win against Paulo Costa five months later at UFC 302. The 34-year-old faced du Plessis in a championship rematch at UFC 312 in February 2025 where he dropped a lopsided unanimous decision. After recovering from injuries, and going through a suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, Strickland has become the story of the week for the fight card.
Hernandez enters his second consecutive main event with an impressive eight-fight win streak. In his most recent bout, “Fluffy” delivered one of the most dominant performances of 2025 en route to a submission win against Roman Dolidze this past August in the UFC Vegas 109 headliner. The 32-year-old also earned a 2025 victory over Brendan Allen at UFC Seattle a year ago.
Check out the Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez live blog below.
According to FanDuel, Anthony Hernandez closes as the moderate favorite at -245, with the comeback on Sean Strickland at +200.
Sean Strickland is a former UFC champion, so the man knows how to win fights. However, this could be a nightmare matchup for him. Strickland’s path is if Hernandez accepts a middle of the octagon kickboxing match, and I just don’t see that happening. I think Hernandez does what he does, pressures Strickland against the fence, quick takedowns, mat returns galore, and as the frustration mounts, “Fluffy” gets the finish via TKO in Round 4.
Hernandez was first out, and now Strickland is set to walk inside the octagon. Moments away.
The referee for this main event is Herb Dean, while the judges are Sal D’Amato, Chris Lee, and Junichiro Kamijo. Big response from the crowd for Hernandez, while a mixed reaction for Strickland from this Houston crowd during Bruce Buffer’s introductions.
Round 1: They touch gloves and we’re off. They take the center and Strickland throws out his patented jab and teep. Hernandez starting to stalk forward as Strickland is jabbing. Hernandez goes to the body with a jab, and lands an inside leg kick. As usual, Hernandez starting a little bit slow, Strickland lands a jab, Hernandez lands a nice right hand moving forward.
Jab from Strickland lands, blocked on a second attempt, Hernandez starting to land a bit more. Strickland with a sneaky uppercut. Strickland lands a shot, and Hernandez laughs at him before getting better of the ending exchange. Hernandez with a big combination and now he has Strickland against the fence. Strickland separates. Jab from Strickland, but Hernandez drills him with three big rights, Strickland goes to the floor, but more of a slip. Close round in the final minute.
Hernandez is definitely landing the more meaningful shots, but Strickland with the volume and the jabs. Final seconds with Hernandez moving forward, late flurry, and that’s the round.
MMAFighting scores it 10-9 Hernandez
Round 2: Both men smiling at each other and they touch gloves before the round even starts. Good fake for a takedown to a right hand from Hernandez. Strickland with a jab and a right hand. Hernandez marches forward and lands a hard combination. Good counter over the top from Hernandez.
Strickland continues to land the jab, but Hernandez when he lands, is throwing with more vigor. Hernandez ties him up for a moment, but Strickland pulls away. Good jab from Hernandez. Good jab from Strickland, but nice follow up to the body by Fluffy.
They battle against the fence, and separate. Strickland continues to jab. Hernandez looking like he’s having a little too much fun in there, and not in a great way.
MMAFighting scores it 10-9 Strickland, 19-19 overall
Round 3: Eric Nicksick telling Strickland he needs to mix things up. Hernandez needs to get his pressure game going, at least get Strickland against the fence. Hernandez does land a combination. Strickland with the jab, jab, jab. Hernandez gets a tie up against the fence, Hernandez lands a short elbow on the break.
Strickland lands a knee to the body and Hernandez is in trouble. Strickland pouring it on and Hernandez is down. Strickland pouncing now and Herb Dean has seen enough. Great performance from Strickland.
OFFICIAL RESULT: Sean Strickland def. Anthony Hernandez via TKO – Round 3, 2:33
Strickland credits Hernandez for having good boxing, and for being a savage. Strickland wants Chimaev next, and he just might get it.
That’s it, everybody! Check out out post-fight show coming up in a moment.
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