UFC Houston: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez: Preview and Prediction

UFC Houston will be headlined by a high-stakes middleweight clash between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez this weekend. With significant title implications attached, anticipation has skyrocketed as fans and analysts debate what this matchup means for the division.

Both fighters have engaged in heated verbal exchanges throughout fight week, intensifying the rivalry and adding extra emotional stakes. Now the focus shifts to the Octagon as we examine which contender holds stronger winning chances at UFC Houston.

Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland is one of the most controversial figures on the UFC roster, and his last press conference was a true example of that. The former middleweight champion returns after serving a six-month suspension for a physical altercation.

In his previous appearance, he dropped a hard-fought title fight to Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision. Now, ‘Tarzan’ aims to secure an emphatic victory and move himself back into immediate championship contention within the division rankings.

Anthony Hernandez

Anthony Hernandez has quietly established himself as one of the most talented and dangerous middleweights on the current roster. He enters this contest riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak, most recently dominantly defeating Roman Dolidze.

Hernandez has openly expressed frustration toward Sean Strickland following the former champion’s recent controversial remarks during fight week buildup. Motivated by personal animosity and title aspirations, he hopes to punish Strickland inside the Octagon and earn a championship opportunity.

How to watch: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez

To watch UFC Houston in the UK, prelims are expected to begin around 1:00 AM GMT, with the main card starting at approximately 4:00 AM GMT. UK fans can catch the entire event live on TNT Sports through its television channels and official streaming apps, with full replays available later for viewers unable to tune in overnight.

In the U.S, prelims for UFC Houston are scheduled to start at around 7:00 PM ET, followed by the main card at 10:00 PM ET. American viewers can stream the complete fight card live on Paramount+, ensuring uninterrupted access to all bouts throughout the evening.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Tale of the Tape

CATEGORY	Sean Strickland	Anthony Hernandez
AGE	33	31
HEIGHT	6′1″	6′0″
REACH	76″	75″
PRO RECORD	28–6–0	12–2–0
FIGHTING OUT OF	California, United States	California, United States

Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez: Final Prediction

Sean Strickland usually fights behind a disciplined jab, steady forward pressure, and relentless volume. He controls range effectively, forces opponents backward, and relies on durability and cardio to gradually break their rhythm. Over five rounds, Strickland’s composure and experience in high-profile bouts often allow him to dictate pace and frustrate challengers.

On the other side, Anthony Hernandez thrives in chaos, blending suffocating grappling with increasingly confident striking exchanges. He pushes an exhausting tempo, chains takedown attempts together, and forces scrambles that drain opponents physically and mentally.

If Fluffy consistently disrupts Strickland’s rhythm with pressure and clinch work, the damage should accumulate late. By the fourth round, Hernandez’s relentless assault could overwhelm Strickland, leading to a decisive technical knockout finish.

Final Prediction: Anthony Hernandez via TKO in the fourth round.