UFC Fight Night: Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez Preview & Prediction
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Middleweight stakes could not be higher in Houston as No.3-ranked Sean Strickland collides with No.4-ranked Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez in the UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez main event. With Nassourdine Imavov waiting in the wings and title implications hovering, an emphatic win could propel either man straight back into the championship conversation.
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez facts
What time are Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? Toyota Center, Houston, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez main card
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)
Geoff Neal vs Uros Medic (Welterweight)
Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)
Serghei Spivac vs Ante Delija (Heavyweight)
Jacobe Smith vs Josiah Harrell (Welterweight)
Zachary Reese vs Michel Pereira (Middleweight)
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez prelims
Chidi Njokuani vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Ode' Osbourne vs Alibi Idiris (Flyweight)
Alden Coria vs Luis Gurule (Flyweight)
Nora Cornolle vs Joselyne Edwards (Women’s Bantamweight)
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Punahele Soriano (Welterweight)
Philip Rowe vs Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (Welterweight)
Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle (Featherweight)
Juliana Miller vs Carli Judice (Women’s Flyweight)
Sean Strickland: Former champion seeking to reassert control
Sean Strickland (29-7-0) is a 34-year-old American middleweight and former UFC Middleweight champion who has built his career on constant forward pressure and high-volume boxing. Ranked third in the division, Strickland operates behind a constant jab, piling up significant strikes and forcing opponents to fight at his preferred tempo. His durability, conditioning and defensive abilities over five rounds have made him one of the most consistent presences at 185 pounds.
In his last five outings, Strickland recorded victories over Abus Magomedov, Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa, while suffering two decision defeats to former champion Dricus Du Plessis in their title bouts. Even in defeat, Strickland remained competitive, underlining his ability to fight at elite level. However, this matchup presents a different type of challenge: a relentless grappler with the pace and persistence to test his takedown defence over 25 minutes.
Anthony Hernandez: Surging contender built on pressure and grappling
Anthony Hernandez (15-2-0, 1 NC) is a 32-year-old American contender riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak. Ranked fourth in the division, “Fluffy” has transformed into one of the most suffocating grapplers at middleweight. Averaging over six takedown attempts per 15 minutes, Hernandez blends cardio, chain wrestling and submission threats into a grinding style that steadily breaks opponents down.
His recent run includes victories over Edmen Shahbazyan, Roman Kopylov, Michel Pereira, Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze, showcasing both finishing ability and sustained dominance. Hernandez does not rely solely on grappling; he uses his striking to close distance and create level-change opportunities. A victory here could not only push him ahead of Imavov in the pecking order but could also create a fascinating stylistic clash with Khamzat Chimaev given both men’s grappling credentials.
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez prediction
This is a classic striker versus grappler encounter, but the dynamics favour Hernandez over five rounds. Strickland will attempt to establish his jab early, control the centre of the Octagon and build momentum through volume. However, Hernandez’s willingness to chain wrestle repeatedly means Strickland’s 76 percent takedown defence will be tested continuously rather than sporadically.
Over 25 minutes, it is difficult to envision Strickland defending every attempt. Even limited control time could be enough for Hernandez to bank rounds, and once he establishes top position, his submission game becomes a serious threat. Strickland has never been submitted, but Hernandez’s back-taking ability and suffocating pressure represent the most persistent grappling test he has faced in recent memory.
Prediction: Anthony Hernandez to win
