Fight nights like this always give me that same buzz I felt the first time I stayed up late to watch a main card with friends—and Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) has that exact energy. With the Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) match fixture 21- Feb-2026 set as the main event Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC), this middleweight clash is more than just another bout on the schedule. I’ve followed both fighters closely, and from what I’ve seen, their styles are on a direct collision path. Let’s break down what makes this fight so important—and why you should be watching.

Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) Match Fixture – 21 Feb 2026

The countdown is on for Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC), and I can honestly say, fight night energy like this is contagious. If you’re planning to watch, here’s the fixture breakdown you need to know. The main event is set for 21 February 2026 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, which is basically the heart of high-stakes MMA action. This middleweight clash is a 5-round main event, and both fighters bring a very distinct style to the Octagon—Strickland with his striking precision and Hernandez with his grappling finesse. From personal experience, knowing the exact schedule makes watching so much more thrilling. The main card usually kicks off earlier in the evening, and the main event is expected a couple of hours later, depending on how the preliminary fights go. For fans in the USA, this means you can plan to catch every punch and submission without missing the drama. Whether you’re streaming on ESPN+ or watching on your mobile, having the fixture details in hand makes it easier to immerse yourself fully in the fight night experience. Simply put: mark your calendars for Feb 21, 2026, gear up, and get ready for an MMA showdown that could define the middleweight division this year.

Fighter Profiles & Career Overview

When I look at Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC), the first thing that jumps out is how different these two fighters are, and that’s what makes this matchup so exciting. Let’s break down their careers and styles so you can get a real sense of what to expect when they step into the Octagon.

Sean Strickland – Fighting Style & Record

I’ve been following Strickland for years, and there’s something about his precision striking that always catches my eye. With a professional record of 28 wins and 6 losses, he’s proven he can handle pressure and adapt on the fly. His stand-up game is tight—every punch feels calculated, and watching him work in the cage is like watching a chess player think three moves ahead. In recent fights, his ability to control distance and pace has made him a tough challenge for anyone in the middleweight division. Personally, I’d say his striking dominance is the kind of edge that could tip the balance in this fight.

Anthony Hernandez – Fighting Style & Record

Hernandez is a very different animal, and that’s why I’m excited about this clash. With 13 wins and 2 losses, he’s known for his grappling and submission skills, which makes him dangerous if the fight hits the ground. I remember watching one of his past bouts where he turned a losing position into a submission win—it’s the kind of resilience that makes you sit on the edge of your seat. His ground game is sharp, and he’s always looking for openings to take the fight off the feet. In my view, Hernandez’s ability to mix grappling with bursts of striking is what makes him unpredictable and a real threat to Strickland’s style. In short, this matchup isn’t just about records—it’s about contrasting strategies, and that tension is exactly what makes the Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) main event worth tuning in for.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When I line up Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) side by side, it’s like watching two completely different worlds collide—and that’s what makes this matchup so thrilling. Let’s break down how they stack up against each other in key areas that really matter once the cage door closes.

Height & Reach

Strickland has a slight edge in height at 6’1”, giving him a natural advantage in striking range. Hernandez comes in at 6’0”, which isn’t too far off, but that one-inch difference can make a noticeable impact when jabs and kicks start flying. In my experience watching fights, even small reach advantages can let a striker control the pace of the fight, and Strickland is a master at keeping opponents at the end of his punches.

Style Matchup: Striker vs. Grappler

Here’s where the real story unfolds. Strickland is all about precision striking, movement, and controlling the distance, whereas Hernandez thrives when the fight goes to the ground. Watching a striker face a grappler is always fascinating—it’s like a chess match in real time. From my perspective, Hernandez’s challenge will be closing the gap without eating too many heavy shots, and that’s what could make or break the fight.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strickland’s biggest strength is his stand-up game and fight IQ, but he can be vulnerable if someone drags him into a tight clinch. Hernandez, on the other hand, has a powerful submission game, but he sometimes struggles against opponents who can maintain distance. Personally, I think the winner will be the one who can impose their preferred pace first and stay disciplined throughout all five rounds. At the end of the day, this head-to-head comparison isn’t just numbers—it’s about contrasting strategies, timing, and adaptability. And that’s exactly why I can’t wait for fight night: every exchange tells a story, and this matchup promises plenty of twists.  

Fight Time & How to Watch in the USA

If you’re like me, knowing exactly when the Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) main event starts is half the excitement. The fight is set for 21 February 2026 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, but for fans across the U.S., that means early morning viewing for some time zones. Personally, I always set an alarm so I don’t miss the main card—it’s worth waking up for every round of action. The main card typically kicks off a few hours before the main event, so you’ll catch prelim fights that set the stage. The main event is expected a bit later, around 10:30 AM EST, depending on how fast the earlier bouts go. From my experience, tuning in early lets you catch the warm-up energy and really feel the hype building in the arena. As for streaming, the easiest way is through ESPN+, which covers the UFC Fight Night live in the U.S. If you prefer watching on the go, their mobile app works well, and I’ve found it keeps the stream smooth even on a busy morning. My tip? Grab some coffee, maybe a snack, and settle in—you don’t want to miss a single punch or submission attempt. Watching Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) live isn’t just about the fight itself; it’s about the atmosphere, the anticipation, and the storytelling each round brings. Knowing the fight time and streaming options lets you plan your morning perfectly and be fully immersed when the fighters finally step into the Octagon.

FAQs – Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC)

Q1: When is Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) fight scheduled?

The Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) main event is scheduled for 21 February 2026. Learn more about the full fight card and timings.

Q2: Where is the 21 Feb 2026 main event taking place?

The fight will take place at UFC Apex, Las Vegas. Check out the venue details for Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) match fixture 21-Feb-2026.

Q3: How can I watch Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) live in the USA?

You can watch Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) live on ESPN+ or via the official UFC streaming platforms. Learn more about viewing options.

Q4: Is this a title fight?

No, the Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) main event is a high-stakes middleweight bout but not a title fight. Find out why this matchup still matters.

Q5: Who is favored to win Strickland vs. Hernandez?

Strickland is slightly favored due to his striking advantage, but Hernandez’s grappling makes it unpredictable. Explore my full main event Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) analysis.

Q6: What time will the main event start in the USA?

The Strickland vs. Hernandez (UFC) main event is expected around 10:30 AM EST, following the main card prelims. Learn more about exact timings for your zone.