The Ultimate Fighting Championship makes a triumphant return to Houston, Texas, on February 21, 2026, as fight fans gear up for an action-packed night at the Toyota Center.
The upcoming fight night features several intriguing matchups across weight classes, highlighted by a thrilling undefeated welterweight showdown that has fans buzzing.
As the anticipation builds, this event promises to deliver high-stakes fights, knockout power, and rising stars looking to cement their status in the UFC.
Whether hardcore MMA enthusiasts or casual viewers are tuning in, UFC Houston is set to be a must-watch event this winter.
Rising Welterweights in a Can’t-Miss Duel
At the heart of the UFC Houston card is a welterweight battle that pits two unbeaten finishers against each other, offering a clash of styles, power, and momentum.
Both fighters boast flawless records and a shared reputation for ending fights early, meaning this fight likely won’t go the distance.
Josiah Harrell makes his long-awaited UFC debut on short notice, stepping in for an injured opponent to take on Jacobe Smith. Harrell’s journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable.
After being forced out of a previous UFC opportunity due to a rare medical condition, he fought back on the regional scene with an unstoppable run that showcased his well-rounded skills and fight IQ.
Across the Octagon is Jacobe Smith, an 11-0 prospect known for his aggressive style and high finishing rate. Since earning his UFC contract, Smith has made a statement with dominant victories over established opposition, including submitting one of the division’s toughest vets and knocking out others with precision. He’s not just undefeated; he’s rapidly rising as a top contender at 170 lbs.
This matchup draws attention because both fighters have never seen a fight go the full distance, making their head-to-head encounter a standout event on the early portion of the UFC Houston card.
Full Fight Card and Event Details
The UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez event serves as the backdrop to this explosive welterweight bout and showcases a stacked lineup spanning multiple divisions.
The night’s schedule includes everything from seasoned veterans to fast-rising prospects.
Main Event:
- Middleweight bout: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
This headlining matchup brings a former champion against a surging contender, with both men looking to stake their claim back into title contention.
Co-Main and Main Card Highlights:
- Welterweight bout: Geoff Neal vs. Uros Medic
- Featherweight clash: Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa
- Heavyweight slugfest: Serghei Spivac vs. Ante Delija
- Middleweight fight: Zach Reese vs. Michel Pereira
- Welterweight duel: Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell
The fight card also features a range of preliminary matches set to begin earlier in the evening, giving fans plenty of competitive action before the main card kicks off.
What’s at Stake for the Fighters
Every matchup on this card carries significance:
- Strickland vs. Hernandez: A win here could move the victor to the top of the middleweight rankings and closer to a future title shot. Hernandez enters on an impressive winning streak, while Strickland looks to rebound after his last setback.
- Neal vs. Medic: Both fighters bring powerful striking to the Octagon. Neal hopes to regain momentum after losing ground in recent outings, while Medic looks to keep his reputation as a knockout artist intact.
- Harrell vs. Smith: With no judges’ scorecards yet in either warrior’s career, this fight could produce a highlight-reel stoppage and significantly boost the winner’s stock in the division.
Why UFC Houston Matters
This event marks the UFC’s return to Houston for the first time in four years, re-energizing a fan base that has long supported high-profile MMA events.
The mix of experience and rising talent on the card gives it broad appeal whether you follow the leaderboard or just enjoy exciting fights.
From title aspirations to breakout performances, UFC Houston is poised to deliver unforgettable moments in the world of mixed martial arts.