Sean Strickland Promises Dominance on the Ground Against Anthony Hernandez

Sean Strickland returns to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Houston with a clear goal: to dominate on the ground against rising middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez. The matchup between Strickland, a former middleweight champion, and Hernandez, who is undefeated since 2021, promises to test both fighters’ endurance, skill, and strategy. With both men known for durability and gas tanks, fans are anticipating a five-round battle that could shape the upper tier of the middleweight division. Strickland insists that his grappling has been underrated and believes he can control the fight from start to finish, despite Hernandez’s reputation as a relentless wrestler with a suffocating top game.

Sean Strickland’s Grappling Confidence

Sean Strickland has built his reputation primarily as a boxing-heavy pressure fighter, but he insists his grappling skills are a hidden strength. Speaking to UFC.com, Strickland emphasized his preparation for a wrestling-intensive fight, noting that his gas tank is ready for five rounds of grappling. “Generally, he takes guys down and breaks them, but I’m not a guy who breaks,” he stated. Strickland predicts that the match will evolve into a grappling-heavy encounter where he will ultimately outmaneuver Hernandez before finishing with a late TKO.

Anthony Hernandez: The Rising Contender

Anthony Hernandez enters the fight with an 8-0 record since 2021 and a 75% finish rate. Known for relentless forward pressure and a variety of submission techniques, Hernandez has tested multiple top-15 opponents and proven his versatility. From neutralizing technical kickboxers to out-grappling Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts, Hernandez has consistently shown that he can adjust his game plan based on his opponent’s strengths. This bout represents his toughest challenge yet, as he faces a former champion confident in his grappling ability.

Stylistic Clash at UFC Houston

The fight between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez is a compelling matchup of contrasting styles. While Hernandez relies on wrestling, cardio, and a suffocating top game, Strickland brings pressure, striking, and underrated grappling into the mix. Analysts predict a tactical battle that could see transitions between striking and grappling dominating the opening rounds. Both fighters are known for durability, so fans can expect a five-round contest where strategy, endurance, and adaptability will be key.

Implications for the Middleweight Division

The middleweight division has lacked consistent activity among champions in recent years. Khamzat Chimaev, Dricus Du Plessis, Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker combined for just five fights in 2025. This makes the Strickland-Hernandez matchup crucial for defining the upper tier of contenders. A dominant performance by Strickland could solidify his claim for another title shot, while a win by Hernandez would mark him as a serious threat to anyone in the top 185-pound rankings.

Conclusion

Sean Strickland aims to dominate Anthony Hernandez on the ground at UFC Houston. With relentless grappling and five-round endurance, this fight could shake up the middleweight division. Fans can expect a high-intensity, tactical showdown.

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