‘Sean is great’: Conor McGregor, pros react to Sean Strickland’s knockout win at UFC Houston
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sean Strickland delivered a dominant performance in the UFC Houston main event, securing a TKO victory over red-hot middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez midway through the third round. The win showcased Strickland’s improved striking game and kept him firmly in contention for a potential title shot. After the fight, Strickland wasted no time calling out UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev during his post-fight interview, signaling his ambitions to challenge for the belt.
The victory also snapped Hernandez’s impressive eight-fight winning streak, highlighting the risks of facing an opponent like Strickland, who has repeatedly shown resilience and adaptability in high-stakes matchups. Strickland’s ability to outwork and overpower Hernandez was a testament to his relentless training regimen, which Conor McGregor praised on social media. McGregor emphasized the importance of “shit sparring” – chaotic, no-ego rolling sessions that help fighters develop crucial skills without overcomplicating the process.
The fight generated significant buzz across social media, with several UFC personalities weighing in on Strickland’s performance. While some celebrated his win, others like Dustin Jacoby joked about Strickland’s credentials, calling him a “former champion” despite his struggles to reclaim the title. Meanwhile, fighters like Henry Cejudo and Nazim Sadykhov suggested potential future matchups for Strickland, including a title fight against Khamzat Chimaev or Imavov Nassourdine.
Strickland’s win not only solidified his position in the UFC middleweight division but also reignited discussions about the state of the title. With Chimaev yet to defend his belt and other contenders like Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya waiting in the wings, the division remains one of the most competitive in MMA. Strickland’s performance at UFC Houston underscores the importance of consistency and adaptability in achieving success at the highest level, making him a formidable threat moving forward.
For sports fans and MMA enthusiasts, Sean Strickland’s knockout win is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026