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.
Plenty of attention has been on the first three UFC numbered events that will broadcast on Paramount+ in the new year, 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 will be a number of UFC Fight Nights, including one at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, where two welterweights who know each other well are set to renew hostilities.
- THROWBACK: Nate Diaz lost to ex-UFC champion after being fined for big fight week mistake he has never repeated
Which UFC event are you looking forward to the most at the start of 2026?
Some big main events have been announced for the first quarter of a year that will include the UFC’s huge card at the White House.
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Geoff Neal vs Kevin Holland 2 announced for UFC Houston
Geoff Neal has slipped down the pecking order at 170 pounds after three losses in his last four fights.
The powerful puncher has dropped to No. 14 in 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 chance to do so while also seeking 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 ended 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 will need to repeat that feat against Neal in 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 way more mula we can start a small business off this bread or give back to the community how times change! Texas lFG”
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Sean Strickland will return in the main event of UFC Houston
Much of the schedule has come together for the start of the new year, and that includes the main event for the UFC’s return to Houston on February 21.
Sean Strickland will headline against Anthony Hernandez, as the pair look to stake their claim for a shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s middleweight title later in 2026.
For ‘Tarzan’, it will mark his first fight since being suspended for an altercation at a regional event while he served as a cornerman for one of his teammates.
That incident recently came 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 up to support friends?
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The former champion will look to put his recent incidents behind him and focus on returning to winning ways after failing to get his revenge on Dricus du Plessis in their rematch last February.
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