The UFC’s return to Houston just got stronger.
MMA’s leading promotion has been rolling out the schedule for early 2026 in recent weeks.
Loads of attention has been on the primary three UFC numbered events that may broadcast on Paramount+ in the brand new 12 months, with Paddy Pimblett’s interim title fight against Justin Gaethje, Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch with Diego Lopes, and a BMF clash between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira all announced.
Between those major cards can be various UFC Fight Nights, including one on the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, where two welterweights who know one another well are set to renew hostilities.
- THROWBACK: Nate Diaz lost to ex-UFC champion after being fined for large fight week mistake he has never repeated
Which UFC event are you looking forward to probably the most at first of 2026?
Some big primary events have been announced for the primary quarter of a 12 months that may include the UFC’s huge card on the White House.
Geoff Neal vs Kevin Holland 2 announced for UFC Houston
Geoff Neal has slipped down the pecking order at 170 kilos after three losses in his last 4 fights.
The powerful puncher has dropped to No. 14 within the welterweight rankings, with Neal’s brutal knockout loss to Carlos Prates at UFC 319 having left him firmly out of the title picture.
The 35-year-old will look to bounce back in 2026, and he’ll have the prospect to accomplish that while also searching for revenge for a defeat from almost 10 years ago in Dallas.
Neal was stopped by Kevin Holland in 2017 before either man had made it to the UFC. Their fight at Xtreme Knockout 34 resulted in round three, when a TKO for ‘Trailblazer’ earned him the promotion’s vacant middleweight crown.
To rebound from a two-fight losing skid, Holland might want to repeat that feat against Neal of their rematch at UFC Houston on February 21.
Holland announced the second dance in a post on his Instagram account.
“Like 10 years later still in Texas for far more mula we are able to start a small business off this bread or give back to the community how times change! Texas lFG”
- LATEST NEWS: Joe Rogan would have told Conor McGregor to drag out of 1 huge UFC fight in the event that they were friends
Sean Strickland will return within the primary event of UFC Houston
Much of the schedule has come together for the beginning of the brand new 12 months, and that features the primary event for the UFC’s return to Houston on February 21.
Sean Strickland will headline against Anthony Hernandez, because the pair look to stake their claim for a shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s middleweight title later in 2026.
For ‘Tarzan’, it’ll mark his first fight since being suspended for an altercation at a regional event while he served as a cornerman for one among his teammates.
That incident recently got here up again after it caused Strickland to be banned from UFC 323 in Las Vegas.
Do you agree with Sean Strickland being banned from UFC 323?
He’s banned from competing and cornering, but should he be banned from simply showing as much as support friends?
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say
The previous champion will look to place his recent incidents behind him and deal with returning to winning ways after failing to get his revenge on Dricus du Plessis of their rematch last February.
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say