Houston got a full night.
Former middleweight champ Sean Strickland walked into enemy territory against hometown favorite Anthony Hernandez, who brought an eight-fight win streak with him. By 2:23 of Round 3, that streak was done.
Sean Strickland’s reaction after knocking out Fluffy Hernandez
He couldn’t believe it 😭pic.twitter.com/kgnZqhvFEy
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 22, 2026
Strickland outstruck Hernandez 92-62. Stuffed the takedown attempts. Kept the pressure steady. When Hernandez hit the mat in the third, Strickland followed with ground strikes until the ref stepped in.
After the finish, Strickland grabbed the mic — and instead of pouring it on, he gave Hernandez respect right there in the cage. Called him “the definition of a man.” Married. Father. Hard worker. Made it clear he respects how he carries himself. It was loud in Houston, but the message was straightforward.
Later on X, he echoed the same sentiment.
The temperature changed at the press conference.
Strickland kept talking, energy high, and called out Khamzat Chimaev. The rant escalated, the room got tense, and the presser wrapped abruptly. Chimaev responded online not long after. Nothing official — just two contenders circling each other publicly.
The co-main delivered its own moment. Melquizael Costa landed a spinning back kick knockout on Dan Ige — clean and sudden, the kind of finish that goes straight to highlight reels.
COSTA BECOMES THE FIRST MAN TO KO DAN IGE#UFCHouston pic.twitter.com/5Bl2HBxjaP
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 22, 2026
The card also featured a 30-year tribute to Bruce Buffer, honoring the voice that’s opened UFC fights for three decades.
Bruce Buffer celebrates 30 years with the UFC 👏
GOAT 🐐pic.twitter.com/n4EBJeKnFw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 22, 2026
