While the middleweight main event between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez dominates the headlines for UFC Fight Night in Houston, the co-main event offers a fascinating heavyweight crossroads battle with massive divisional implications. Ranked contender Serghei “The Polar Bear” Spivac welcomes former PFL Champion Ante “Walking Trouble” Delija back to the Octagon for a high-stakes clash that could determine the next top-tier challenger.
Set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Toyota Center, this matchup pits one of the division’s most effective grapplers against a battle-hardened knockout artist looking to validate his global reputation. With both men entering the cage off mixed results in 2025, a win is non-negotiable.
Fight Card Information
- Event: UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
- Main Card Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- Broadcast: Paramount+ (Exclusive)
The Stakes: Gatekeeper or Contender?
For Serghei Spivac (17-6), the path back to the elite has been turbulent. After a devastating TKO loss to Jailton Almeida in January 2025, Spivac rebounded with a decision win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta in June. However, remaining at #7 in the rankings requires consistency. A loss here would likely label him a permanent gatekeeper, while a decisive finish could propel him back into conversations with names like Gane and Aspinall.
Ante Delija (26-7) enters this fight with everything to prove. The 2022 PFL Heavyweight Champion made a splash in his UFC debut last September by demolishing Marcin Tybura, only to stumble in a controversial and chaotic loss to Cortes-Acosta in November. Now 1-1 in the UFC, the Croatian star—a protégé of legendary Mirko Cro Cop—needs to show that his PFL dominance translates to the UFC’s upper echelon. Beating a top-10 staple like Spivac is the fastest way to silence the doubters.
Styles Make Fights: Sambo vs. Cro Cop Kickboxing
This bout is a classic striker-versus-grappler puzzle, but with heavyweight volatility. Spivac possesses one of the most suffocating ground games in the division. Averaging over 4.5 takedowns per 15 minutes, his game plan is no secret: close the distance, secure a body lock, and drag opponents into deep waters. His armbar submission win over Tybura in 2024 showcased his dangerous transitions.
Conversely, Delija brings the heavy artillery. Training out of Cro Cop Top Team, he utilizes pressure and heavy hands to break opponents. His TKO of Tybura demonstrated his finishing instinct, but his defensive wrestling will be the key factor. If Delija can keep the fight standing, Spivac’s striking defense (absorbing 3.77 significant strikes per minute) will be tested severely.
Key Stat to Watch
Takedown Defense vs. Takedown Offense: Delija defended 71% of takedowns in his PFL run, but Spivac’s chain wrestling is a different beast. If Spivac secures even one takedown early, the momentum could shift irreversibly.
Prediction: The Polar Bear Grinds It Out
Ante Delija is a live dog in this fight, especially given Spivac’s occasional struggles with power punchers. However, Spivac’s experience against the division’s elite (Gane, Aspinall, Lewis) gives him a tactical edge. Delija showed vulnerability on the ground in his PFL finals loss to Cappelozza, and Spivac is a superior grappler to anyone Delija faced in the SmartCage.
Expect a tense first round where Delija lands some heavy shots. However, once Spivac establishes the clinch, the fight will likely hit the mat. Spivac’s top control should wear on the Croatian, leading to a submission or a dominant decision victory.
Pick: Serghei Spivac via Submission (Round 2)
Underdogs & Sleepers on the Card
Beyond the heavyweights, the Houston card features several intriguing matchups for bettors and fans alike:
- Michel Pereira vs. Zachary Reese: A middleweight fireworks display. Pereira is the favorite, but Reese’s length and power make him a dangerous underdog worth watching.
- Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa: “50K” Ige is always a tough out, but Costa has looked sharp recently. This featherweight scrap could steal the “Fight of the Night” bonus.
FAQ: UFC Fight Night Houston
What time does the main card start?
The main card for UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez kicks off at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Where can I watch the fight?
The entire event will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+ as part of the UFC’s new broadcast partnership.
Is this Ante Delija’s UFC debut?
No. Delija debuted in September 2025 with a win over Marcin Tybura, followed by a loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in November. This will be his third UFC appearance.
Who is the favorite in the main event?
Sean Strickland is currently the favorite over Anthony Hernandez, though odds are narrowing as fight week approaches.