Even after a lengthy break, the former UFC champion has continued to train with full dedication.
As the UFC prepares for a landmark year ahead, fight announcements for 2026 have been rolling out rapidly. With fighters like Reinier de Ridder reportedly joining the UFC 326 card, the lineup for the early events under Paramount’s new UFC era is quickly taking shape.
One notable fighter was initially set to make a big comeback at UFC 325, the event headlined by a rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopez. However, after declining this opportunity, his return fight was postponed by several weeks. Despite the delay, his commitment to training remains unchanged.
Sean Strickland recently revealed that he passed on the chance to fight at UFC 325 in Australia, instead scheduling his comeback bout for February 25th in Houston, Texas, where he will face Anthony Hernandez in the Fight Night main event. Strickland explained that his suspension is set to end that same week, which influenced his decision.
Though he hasn’t competed since February of last year, Strickland hasn’t stopped enjoying one of his favorite activities—sparring inside the cage. He made headlines by easily taking on three opponents simultaneously during a recent stream with Adin Ross, showcasing his skills and control.
Strickland also mentioned that while fighting at the White House event in June sounds exciting, he is more interested in having fans present than focused on the guest list. He’s targeting a return to title contention, with UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev in his sights and believing Hernandez is the right opponent to help him get there.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for fighting enthusiasts as it highlights Sean Strickland’s disciplined comeback and readiness to compete at top levels. His return could shake up the middleweight division and bring more thrilling matchups, enhancing the sport’s excitement in 2026.
