Strickland (30-7) stopped Hernandez (15-3) with strikes at 2:33 of the third round in Houston, snapping Hernandez's eight-fight win streak dating back to February 2021. The victory marks Strickland's first knockout in over two years and his first win since losing a middleweight title fight to Dricus Du Plessis in February 2025. Strickland, ranked No. 3 in the UFC's middleweight division, dominated the fight, outlanding Hernandez 92-62 in total strikes and defending his only takedown attempt. Strickland called for a title shot after the win, specifically naming Chimaev as his next target, despite Chimaev's history of inactivity. 'If Chimaev gets off the bench, I'd like a piece,' Strickland stated.

The win provides Strickland a significant boost after a disappointing loss to Du Plessis and a suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Hernandez, 32, lost for the first time since May 2020, ending a streak that included six finishes. Strickland's performance silenced critics and re-established him as a contender, though his path to a title shot remains uncertain due to Chimaev's inactivity and other contenders like Van waiting in the wings.