UFC Houston weigh-in results: Phil Rowe has scale scare, avoids third weight miss
MMA Fighting
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Phil Rowe faced another close call with the scale during UFC Houston’s official weigh-ins but ultimately succeeded on his second attempt. The veteran welterweight initially weighed 172 pounds, one pound over the limit for non-title fights, as he awaited his bout against Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani, who came in at 170.5 pounds. However, Rowe was granted a second opportunity and managed to hit the mark at 170.5 pounds, avoiding a third consecutive weight miss in his UFC career.
This incident highlights Rowe’s ongoing challenges with weight management, as he had previously missed weight by 2.5 pounds in two prior UFC fights against Niko Price and Orion Cosce, both of whom he defeated via knockout. Rowe accepted this fight on short notice after Lebosnoyani’s original opponent, Austin Vanderford, withdrew for undisclosed reasons. Despite the hurdles, his ability to recover and make weight underscores the pressure and precision required in MMA.
Meanwhile, the main event between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez showcased the fighters’ readiness, with Strickland weighing 185 pounds and Hernandez using the one-pound allowance to come in at 186 pounds. Other notable weigh-ins included Geoff Neal (170.5) vs. Uros Medic (171), Dan Ige (145.5) vs. Melquizael Costa (145.5), and Serghei Spivac (251.5) vs. Ante Delija (239). The prelims featured a mix of evenly matched fighters, such as Chidi Njokuani (171) vs. Carlos Leal (170) and Ode Osbourne (126) vs. Alibi Idiris (126).
The weigh-in results underscore the high stakes and meticulous preparation required for UFC events, where even minor details like weight discrepancies can impact a fighter’s performance and reputation. For sports enthusiasts, this event offers a glimpse into the rigorous processes behind the scenes of mixed martial arts competitions, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning, discipline, and adaptability in the sport.
Verticals
sportsmma
Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/20/2026