UFC Fight Night on February 21 features a high-stakes middleweight main event as former champion Sean Strickland squares off with submission ace Anthony Hernandez. This matchup pits Strickland’s relentless jab, pressure, and five-round cardio against Hernandez’s suffocating grappling attack and opportunistic finishing ability.

Strickland thrives in drawn-out striking battles where he can pile up volume and break opponents mentally. Hernandez, meanwhile, is one of the division’s most dangerous scramblers — constantly hunting takedowns, submissions, and momentum shifts.

Will Strickland keep it standing and outwork Hernandez over 25 minutes, or can “Fluffy” drag the fight into deep waters and secure another statement win?

Below are our best bets, fight-by-fight predictions, and a quick guide on how to wager at DraftKings. 

For more betting picks, head on over to our Best NBA bets for tonight’s slate!

UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez — Main Card Picks

  • Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
  • Broadcast: ESPN+
  • Main Card Start: Saturday 2/21/2026 – 7:00 PM ET

Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez (Main Event)

This fight comes down to whether or not Hernandez can land his takedowns.  If this is a striking battle, Strickland has proven he can go 25 minutes, not slow down, and land 25-30 significant strikes per round on his opponent.  If Hernandez gets this fight down to the ground, he will be able to win rounds and possibly end the fight.  I don’t like Hernandez’s chances of winning a decision, or at least don’t want to back him at his huge price.

  • Prediction: Hernandez 
  • Best Bet: Hernandez by Submission +275

Geoff Neal vs. Uros Medic (Co-Main Event)

Neal is the type of fighter who, when he takes a step back in competition, normally ends up dominating the fight.  Medic is someone who looks to meet in the middle of the octagon and wants to get this fight done with in the first five minutes, whether he wins or loses.  Neal’s defense is going to prove too much for Medic to crack, and the counter will be there for Neal to land.

  • Prediction: Neal by TKO
  • Best Bet: Neal R1 KO +175

Serghei Spivac vs. Ante Delija

This is an extremely polarizing fight.  Spivac is the better wrestler, with bad striking defense.  Ante is the more explosive, powerful striker with questionable cardio.  If this fight stays standing for even two minutes to start Round 1, I see Ante getting the KO win.  If this gets out of Round 1, I don’t want to be holding a Delija ticket, so I’ll take another shot at a R1 KO.

  • Prediction: Ante Delija
  • Best Bet: Delija R1 KO +225

 

 

 

How to Bet These UFC Fight Night Picks at DraftKings

Placing UFC wagers at DraftKings is simple:

  1. Open or download the DraftKings Sportsbook app
  2. Log in or create an account
  3. Select UFC / MMA from the sportsbook menu
  4. Find UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez
  5. Choose your wager type (moneyline, method of victory, props, or parlays)
  6. Enter your wager amount and confirm

How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez

  • Streaming Platform: ESPN+
  • Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
  • Main Card Start Time: 7:00 PM ET
  • Venue: Toyota Center – Houston, TX

DraftKings $300 Bonus Bet Offer

New users can unlock up to $300 in bonus bets with a qualifying wager (availability varies by state).

How to claim the offer:

  1. Sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook
  2. Make your first deposit
  3. Place any eligible UFC wager
  4. Use bonus bets on fight outcomes, props, parlays, or round bets