Strickland-Hernandez to headline UFC Houston in February

Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland will face Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Feb. 21 at Toyota Center in Houston, the promotion announced Saturday.

Strickland will enter the Octagon for the first time since a title-fight loss to Dricus Du Plessis earlier this year. The 34-year-old is 1-2 in his last three appearances. Strickland is ranked No. 3 in the 185-pound division.

Hernandez, the No. 4-ranked contender, is looking to secure his first title shot with a win over Strickland. He's coming off a dominant victory against Roman Dolidze in an August main event, which extended his winning streak to seven.

The promotion is returning to Houston for the first time since UFC 271 in February 2022.