Bold take: Dricus du Plessis sees a clear path for Sean Strickland to disrupt the Houston main event, and he’s not shy about staking his claim.
Dricus du Plessis has a personal stake in the UFC Houston headliner. After two numbered events and a UFC Fight Night at the Apex so far this year, the promotion heads to the Toyota Center for a high-stakes showdown in 2026. Sean Strickland will battle Anthony Hernandez on February 21, as the former middleweight champion plots a return to the throne.
Known as “Stillknocks,” the American fighter has the unenviable task of stalling the surge of a top contender who has won eight straight inside the Octagon. Du Plessis, who once shared the cage with Strickland, now backs his former rival to triumph over Hernandez.
Key background: Strickland has already faced Du Plessis twice, defeating him once and edging him in a controversial rematch to defend the middleweight title last February. That experience gives Du Plessis a unique perspective on what Strickland must do to prevail in Houston and how Hernandez can upset the rhythm if he can push the pace and keep the fight ugly.
Du Plessis didn’t hide his excitement for the matchup during Fight Forecast, saying Hernandez has a relentless engine. He praised Hernandez’s willingness to push forward, his relentless pace, and the way he applies pressure to break opponents mentally and physically.
Still, Du Plessis makes a strong case for Strickland’s edge in this particular contest. He notes that keeping Strickland on the ground and then breaking him physically and mentally is a difficult, perhaps daunting, task. In Du Plessis’s view, the fight likely won’t finish—he’s leaning toward Strickland to win, at least on the basis of style advantages. He also highlights the importance of high-level striking to neutralize Strickland when fighters meet in the pocket.
Bottom line: Du Plessis believes this bout is set to be a close, possibly protracted affair with no guaranteed finish. He favors Strickland if he has to bet on a winner, given Strickland’s adaptability and striking edge in a head-to-head exchange.
Controversy and questions for fans: Do you think Hernandez’s pace and cardio can derail Strickland’s approach, or will Strickland’s experience and adaptability prove decisive? Is it possible that the fight unfolds in a way that surprises both camps—perhaps a late finish for Hernandez if he can sustain pressure, or a surprising counter-performant effort from Strickland? Share your predictions and reasoning in the comments.
For more updates on this weekend’s card and related fallout, keep an eye on Bloody Elbow’s ongoing coverage of UFC Houston and the evolving narratives around Strickland, Hernandez, and Du Plessis.
