Sean Strickland ends Anthony Hernandez’s win streak with TKO victory
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sean Strickland ended Anthony Hernandez's impressive eight-fight win streak with a dominant technical knockout (TKO) victory in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Houston, Texas. Strickland, who entered the fight ranked third at middleweight, delivered a decisive knee to the body followed by relentless punches, securing the TKO at 2:23 of the third round. This win marked Strickland's first since June 2024 and snapped Hernandez's streak, which dated back to May 2020. Strickland also notched his first knockout victory in over two years, showcasing his improved striking game.
The fight began with a cautious pace as both fighters felt each other out. However, Strickland upped the intensity midway through the bout, forcing Hernandez to retreat and eventually capitalize on the opening. After the match, Strickland praised Hernandez, calling him "the definition of a man" and acknowledging his personal qualities despite their competitive rivalry. Hernandez, who had been undefeated in UFC action since 2020, remained philosophical about the loss, stating he believed the fight was still close going into the third round and looking forward to returning to work.
The event also featured several other notable performances. Serbian welterweight Uros Medic secured a quick first-round TKO against Geoff Neal, extending his winning streak to three fights. Meanwhile, Brazilian featherweight Melquizael Costa made history with a sixth spinning back kick knockout in UFC annals, defeating Dan Ige in the opening round. Other highlights included Serghei Spivac's unanimous decision victory over Ante Delija, ending his two-fight losing streak, and welterweight Jacobe Smith's swift first-round TKO of Josiah Harrell, extending his perfect UFC record to 3-0.
The Houston main card concluded with an action-packed middleweight clash between Michel Pereira and Zachary Reese. Pereira emerged victorious in a split-decision, snapping a three-fight losing streak and showcasing his improved performance. The event was a testament to the high level of competition across weight classes, delivering excitement for MMA fans worldwide.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026