Strickland celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Sean Strickland proved at UFC Houston that he's not just a bad boy who likes to 'trash talk'. In the main event of UFC Houston, held this Saturday (21), the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) surprised Anthony Hernandez , putting an end to the latter's eight-fight winning streak. A striking specialist, the athlete defeated 'Fluffy' by knockout in the third round.
With this important victory, Strickland recovered from his tough loss to Dricus du Plessis in the best possible way. His impressive performance has brought the American closer to another title shot in the middleweight division. Furthermore, as a rival of champion Khamzat Chimaev , 'Tarzan' could jump ahead of Nassourdine Imavov.
Strickland fighters in MMA
Sean Strickland , 34, is an elite athlete and former UFC middleweight champion. The American began his MMA career in 2008, debuted in the company in 2014, and won the belt in 2023. Currently, the "bad boy" is ranked third in the division. In the sport, "Tarzan" has built a record of 30 wins and seven losses. His main victories were over Anthony Hernandez , Brendan Allen , Israel Adesanya , Nassourdine Imavov , Paulo Borrachinha , and Uriah Hall.
Focused Strickland is a danger.
At the start of the fight, Srickland had the advantage with his characteristic jabs and low kicks. Undeterred, Hernandez attacked with jabs and low kicks. Focused, Srickland continued throwing jabs and straight punches. In turn, Hernandez continued advancing, but received more blows than he threw. Midway through the round, Strickland landed a flurry of punches that stunned Hernandez. Recovering from the shock, Hernandez went on the attack and rocked Strickland with his sequence of punches. Even while backing up, Strickland landed jabs on Hernandez. Advancing around the octagon, Hernandez startled Strickland with a cross and straight punches. In the final stretch, the fighters landed good crosses on each other.
The second round followed the same script. Strickland scored with jabs and low kicks, while Hernandez advanced, looking to unleash more powerful and impactful strikes. Picking up the pace, Hernandez troubled Strickland with an uppercut. Sticking to his strategy, Strickland continued to throw jabs and defend occasional takedowns. In the striking exchanges, Strickland alternated jabs with straight punches. Hernandez, on the other hand, exploded and threw crosses. In the final stretch of the round, Hernandez clung to Strickland but couldn't take him down. In the final seconds, the pair landed punches.
In the third round, the pace of the fight remained intense. Hernandez posed a threat with crosses, while Strickland continued jabbing. Again, Hernandez sought the clinch, but couldn't make it work. On his feet, Strickland stunned Hernandez with a knee to the midsection. Seeing Hernandez in a precarious situation, Strickland launched a blitz, landing straight punches, crosses, and uppercuts, winning by knockout.
Medic shines
Medic celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Uros Medic seized the great opportunity he received from the UFC and impressed in the biggest fight of his career. At UFC Houston, the Serbian faced Geoff Neal and showed no respect in the octagon. A striking specialist, the athlete needed just over a minute to knock out the veteran. The punch he landed was so powerful that the American fell unconscious.
With this important result, Medic achieved his third consecutive victory, all by knockout. Enjoying a great phase in his career, the athlete, who was outside the top 15 of the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), will take over Neal's 12th place in the next UFC ranking update.
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UFC Houston Results
MAIN CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Sean Strickland defeats Anthony Hernandez by technical knockout at 2:33 of round 3.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Uros Medic defeated Geoff Neal by knockout (punches) at 1:19 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Melquizael Costa defeated Dan Ige by technical knockout (spinning kick and punches) at 4:56 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Serghei Spivac defeated Ante Delija by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jacobe Smith defeated Josiah Harrell by knockout (punches) at 3:01 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Michel Pereira defeated Zack Reese by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Carlos Leal defeated Chidi Njokuani by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alibi Idiris defeated Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alden Coria defeated Luis Gurule by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Joselyne Edwards defeated Nora Cornolle by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:24 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Punahele Soriano defeated Ramiz Brahimaj by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani defeated Phil Rowe by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Jordan Leavitt defeated Yadier del Valle by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 65,7 kg): Carli Judice defeated Juliana Miller by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
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