Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland made his return to the octagon count in spectacular fashion at UFC Houston, delivering a devastating third-round knockout of Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez in the main event at Toyota Center. The performance marked Strickland's first finish since 2023 and emphatically ended Hernandez's impressive eight-fight winning streak.

Main Event: Strickland's Vintage Performance

After more than a year away from competition, questions surrounded whether Strickland could recapture the form that once made him champion. Those doubts were emphatically answered as "Tarzan" looked as sharp as ever, methodically breaking down the heavily-favored Hernandez over three rounds.

The fight unfolded exactly as Strickland's supporters hoped it would. Fighting behind his signature jab, the 34-year-old veteran peppered Hernandez with consistent volume throughout the contest. What surprised many observers was Hernandez's inability to implement his typically dominant grappling game, instead finding himself drawn into the type of striking battle that heavily favored his opponent.

Strickland established his rhythm early, using his patented jab and teep kicks to control distance and dictate the pace. While Hernandez showed moments of success, particularly in the second round where he found some openings with his striking, he never managed to shift the momentum decisively in his favor.

The end came at 2:33 of the third round when Strickland landed a devastating knee to the body that visibly hurt Hernandez. Sensing his opponent was compromised, Strickland immediately followed up with a flurry of punches that forced referee Herb Dean to step in and wave off the contest.

For Strickland (30-7), the victory represents a crucial bounce-back performance after his lopsided unanimous decision loss to then-champion Dricus du Plessis in February 2025. That defeat, combined with his extended absence due to injuries and a suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, had raised questions about his future in the division's elite tier.

Post-Fight Callout Sets Up Potential Title Eliminator

Never one to mince words, Strickland wasted little time in his post-fight interview setting his sights on bigger targets. The former champion called out current UFC middleweight king Khamzat Chimaev, stating simply that he "wants a piece" of the undefeated champion.

The callout makes perfect sense from both a competitive and promotional standpoint. Chimaev has been seeking high-profile opponents to defend his title against, and Strickland's combination of former champion status and proven drawing power makes him an attractive option. The victory over Hernandez, who was widely expected to earn a title shot with a win, positions Strickland as a legitimate contender once again.

For Hernandez (15-3, 1 NC), the defeat represents a crushing setback after what appeared to be his inevitable march toward a championship opportunity. The 32-year-old had been riding tremendous momentum, coming off a dominant submission victory over Roman Dolidze at UFC Vegas 109 and having defeated Brendan Allen at UFC Seattle the previous year. This marks his third career loss via stoppage and forces him back to the drawing board in a competitive middleweight division.

Co-Main Event: Medic Announces Himself

In the evening's co-main event, Uros Medic (13-3) delivered what can only be described as a star-making performance against veteran welterweight Geoff Neal (16-8). The Serbian prospect needed just 79 seconds to end Neal's night, connecting with a perfectly-timed left hook to the temple that immediately shut off Neal's lights.

The knockout was as brutal as it was beautiful, showcasing Medic's growing reputation as one of the division's most dangerous strikers. For Neal, the loss continues a troubling trend, marking his second consecutive UFC defeat and fourth loss in his past five outings. Once considered a rising contender in the welterweight division, Neal now finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

Medic's performance puts the welterweight division on notice. His combination of technical striking and finishing ability makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the rankings, and this type of highlight-reel knockout is exactly what builds stars in the UFC.

Costa Continues Featherweight Surge

The main card also featured an impressive performance from Melquizael Costa (25-7), who extended his winning streak to six fights with a spectacular spinning back kick knockout of Dan Ige (19-10) late in the first round.

Costa's finish was a thing of beauty, catching the veteran Ige flush in the face with a technique that has become increasingly popular in modern MMA. The victory continues Costa's remarkable ascent up the featherweight rankings and establishes him as a legitimate threat in one of the UFC's deepest divisions.

For Ige, the loss is disappointing but not unexpected given the level of competition he consistently faces. The Hawaiian veteran has long served as a measuring stick for rising contenders, and while defeats like this are never easy, they're part of the role he's carved out for himself in the division.

Divisional Implications

The results from UFC Houston carry significant implications across multiple weight classes. In the middleweight division, Strickland's emphatic return immediately reshuffles the title picture. His callout of Chimaev could lead to a high-profile title eliminator, especially given the champion's need for marquee opponents.

The welterweight landscape also sees a shift with Medic's breakthrough performance. His knockout of Neal likely earns him a step up in competition and puts him on the radar of ranked opponents looking to test themselves against emerging talent.

In the featherweight division, Costa's continued success suggests he's ready for a significant ranking boost and potentially his first fight against a top-10 opponent. His finishing ability and current momentum make him an intriguing option for matchmakers looking to create compelling fights in the division.

Looking Ahead

UFC Houston served as a reminder of why the sport remains unpredictable and exciting. Strickland's return performance answered questions about his ability to compete at the highest level while simultaneously creating new storylines for the middleweight division.

The event also showcased the depth of talent across multiple weight classes, with performances from Medic and Costa demonstrating that the next generation of contenders is ready to make their mark. As the UFC continues to build its roster of stars, nights like these prove that compelling matchmaking and hungry fighters remain the sport's greatest assets.

For fight fans, UFC Houston delivered on multiple levels, providing decisive finishes, divisional shakeups, and the type of memorable moments that keep the sport growing. With Strickland back in the title picture and several other fighters making significant statements, the landscape across multiple divisions promises to remain dynamic in the months ahead.