UFC FIGHT NIGHT: STRICKLAND VS HERNANDEZ

SEAN STRICKLAND vs. ANTHONY HERNANDEZ

This is an interesting matchup for several reasons, starting with the fact that we haven’t seen STRICKLAND in the octagon in a year (February 2025). His recent performances haven’t exactly been fireworks. He talks about blood, but what we usually get is steady pressure, teep kicks, and a walk-down to a unanimous decision.

The wildcard is ANTHONY “FLUFFY” HERNANDEZ. He’s fearless and has an incredible gas tank, especially in the grappling department. He dragged Brendan Allen into deep waters and has a knack for breaking opponents with relentless pressure on the ground. He doesn’t just win—he drains people.

The obvious path for HERNANDEZ is grappling. STRICKLAND didn’t have great success dealing with it in his first fight with Du Plessis, but he’s still extremely difficult to get to the mat consistently.

Final verdict: STRICKLAND’s volume and striking should create problems for HERNANDEZ. Fluffy is hittable and has been in trouble before, though his durability and cardio are legit. He’s riding an eight-fight win streak with six finishes, so the momentum is real. Still, stylistically, this feels like a tough matchup for him.
Pick: SEAN STRICKLAND by decision

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DAN IGE vs. MELQUIZAEL COSTA

I’m praying the MMA gods shine on IGE here. He’s 2–3 in his last five, including a loss to Diego Lopes, but he’s always been a favorite of mine. He’s the underdog in this spot, and I think that’s a mistake.

COSTA is on a five-fight win streak with three finishes, but this is his first real test against a seasoned veteran at this level.

I see this turning into a striking battle, and I believe IGE finds the chin first.
Pick: DAN IGE by KO/TKO

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SERGHEI SPIVAC vs. ANTE DELIJA

SPIVAC is 2–3 in his last five, with two losses coming by knockout.

DELIJA enters from the PFL and made a statement in his UFC debut with a huge KO over Marcin Tybura. He then had a strange loss following an unintentional eye poke and was later stopped by Costa.

This feels like a heavyweight shootout. DELIJA is fresh off a tough loss and likely carrying a chip on his shoulder. I think his size and power could be real problems for SPIVAC.
Pick: ANTE DELIJA by KO/TKO

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JACOBE SMITH vs. JOSIAH HARRELL

This is my “if you don’t know, now you know” fight. SMITH is a legitimate prospect: 11–0 overall, 3–0 in the UFC, all finishes. DC has been praising him for a while, and for good reason. He’s dangerous everywhere.

Late replacement HARRELL also comes in undefeated at 11–0. He was previously pulled from a fight with Jack Della Maddalena after a medical scan revealed a rare brain condition that required surgery. He underwent a procedure to reroute blood flow and prevent clotting and potential stroke. To be back competing at this level is an unbelievable story.

That said, I’m leaning SMITH. I’m not sure exactly how it ends, but he’s an absolute freak. He’s patient, efficient, and wastes no movement—straight down the pipe and composed under pressure.
Pick: JACOBE SMITH to win

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ZACH REESE vs. MICHEL PEREIRA

I’m a big REESE fan. The Shiner, Texas native is well-rounded and still evolving. He’s sharp, disciplined, and composed every time he steps in the cage.

PEREIRA is the complete opposite stylistically, which makes this matchup dangerous. Chaos versus composure.

If REESE stays disciplined and fights his fight, I think he gets it done. But if PEREIRA turns it into a wild exchange, this could easily become a barnburner.
Pick: ZACH REESE to win