How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez
- Greg Kajewski
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The main event features Sean Strickland (#3 middleweight) returning after a year-long break to face Anthony Hernandez (#4), who’s on an 8-fight win streak. Both fighters aim to secure a title shot against current champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Here’s how to watch:
Streaming: Exclusively on Paramount+. Plans start at $8.99/month (with ads) or $13.99/month (ad-free).
Start Times: Prelims begin at 5:00 PM ET, main card at 8:00 PM ET. Adjust for your time zone.
Cable/Broadcast: This event is not available on CBS or pay-per-view.
For betting, platforms like BettorEdge offer a social experience with no hidden fees, real-time analytics, and tools to refine your strategy.
Don’t miss this crucial middleweight clash!
Event Details: Date, Location, and Start Times
Date and Location
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. This event highlights the UFC's 10th trip to Houston and marks its first return to the city in four years, with the last event held there in February 2022. Officially labeled as UFC Fight Night 267, the night features an intense middleweight showdown between former champion and current No. 3 contender Sean Strickland and No. 4-ranked Anthony Hernandez. Below are the event start times for different U.S. regions.
Start Times by Region
The fight schedule is divided into two parts, each with specific start times depending on your time zone. The preliminary bouts start at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), followed by the main card at 8:00 PM ET. These times are based on UFC's official announcements as of January 8, 2026.
Card Segment | Eastern Time (ET) | Central Time (CT) | Mountain Time (MT) | Pacific Time (PT) |
Preliminary Bouts | 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
Main Card | 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
For fans in Houston: prelims begin at 4:00 PM CT, and the main card starts at 7:00 PM CT. The event will stream live on Paramount+, which adjusts times automatically based on your device's location settings when you visit the official UFC event page.
How to Watch UFC Fight Night Online or on TV
Streaming Platforms
Starting January 2026, Paramount+ became the exclusive streaming home for all UFC events. This includes both the preliminary card, which kicks off at 5:00 PM ET, and the main card, starting at 8:00 PM ET. Whether you're watching on a smart TV, gaming console, or smartphone, Paramount+ has you covered through its website and app.
The platform offers two subscription plans: an ad-supported option for $8.99 per month and an ad-free plan for $13.99 per month. Both plans provide full access to every UFC event. Make sure your subscription is active, and the app is installed on your device before February 21, 2026, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Keep in mind that live streaming is exclusive to Paramount+, and cable viewers have very limited options.
Cable and Broadcast TV Options
Under the new 2026 agreement, UFC Fight Night events are exclusively available on Paramount+. However, certain high-profile UFC numbered events may also air live on the CBS broadcast network as simulcasts. This gives cable, satellite, or digital antenna users an alternative way to watch.
That said, UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez is a Fight Night event, not a numbered card, so it will only be available on Paramount+ with no CBS broadcast option. If you're used to pay-per-view, there's no need to worry - PPV is no longer part of the equation.
Pay-Per-View Information
Paramount+ has officially done away with pay-per-view. As the platform announced: "New year, new home – no more pay-per-view. The UFC era on Paramount+ is here". This means all UFC events in 2026, including both Fight Nights and numbered cards, are included in your standard subscription.
This marks a major change from the ESPN+ model, where fans had to shell out extra for individual PPV events. With Paramount+, you get every live UFC fight, every knockout, and every Octagon moment for one flat monthly fee.
Bet on UFC Fight Night with BettorEdge
Social Betting Features
BettorEdge transforms UFC Fight Night into more than just a betting opportunity - it’s a shared experience. The platform connects you with fellow fans, allowing you to share predictions, join UFC-focused groups, and keep up with community trends in real time.
You can create or join private groups to run pick'em pools, engage in head-to-head challenges, or simply discuss strategies with friends. Public groups bring together UFC enthusiasts from across the country, offering a mix of perspectives and approaches. Want to follow the bets of someone with a proven track record? You can do that too - copy their plays, or go the opposite way if you think differently. Plus, you can build your own reputation on the leaderboards, making the entire experience interactive and competitive.
Transparent Pricing and Better Odds
BettorEdge stands out by eliminating the fees that traditional sportsbooks tack onto bets. Instead, it connects bettors directly, letting you set or accept odds created by other users - no bookmaker involved, no hidden fees. This peer-to-peer system means you’re betting against other UFC fans, not a house, giving you more control over the odds.
Free users can place up to $100 in no-fee bets, while Premium users enjoy up to $750 before a small commission kicks in. BettorEdge also lets you sell your bets mid-event, giving you the flexibility to lock in profits or minimize losses - something you won’t find with most traditional sportsbooks. Operating legally in 47 states, the platform also offers new users a chance to apply promo code "UFCBetting" during verification to get up to $500 free.
Performance Tracking and Analytics
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Tips for Watching and Betting on UFC Fight Night
Set Up Your Viewing Space
A good viewing experience starts with the right setup. Pick a screen that matches the size of your room - a TV or projector that's big enough for everyone to enjoy but not so massive that it feels overwhelming. Before the prelims kick off at 5:00 PM EST on February 21, 2026, double-check your internet connection, update your Paramount+ app, and make sure all your cables are in working order.
Arrange your furniture so everyone has a clear view of the screen. Nobody should have to lean or crane their neck to catch the action during the main card at 8:00 PM EST. Comfortable seating is key for an enjoyable night. Once everything's set, you can enhance the experience by connecting with fellow fans on BettorEdge during the fights.
Join the Community During the Event
BettorEdge offers a great way to connect with other fans while the fights unfold. As Strickland and Hernandez step into the octagon, you can share your predictions, follow live betting trends, and chat with others in real time.
The platform's social feed lets you see what others are betting on. You can either follow bets from users with strong records or go against the grain if you have a different take. This interactive element adds to the excitement of the event, but always keep your overall strategy in mind and bet responsibly.
Bet Responsibly
Before the fights begin, set a budget and stick to it, no matter how the night goes. BettorEdge's free plan allows up to $100 in no-fee bets each month, while Premium users can place up to $750 before fees kick in. Use the platform's analytics tools to review your past bets and identify trends - maybe you're better at picking underdogs or thrive in specific matchups.
Think long-term with your betting strategy. If things aren't going your way or you're ahead, you can sell bets mid-event to lock in gains or minimize losses. Betting should enhance the fun, not overshadow it, so always play within your limits.
Anthony Hernandez Reveals INSANE Training Strategy For Sean Strickland Fight, Roasts Khamzat
Conclusion
Don't miss UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez on Saturday, February 21, 2026, streaming live on Paramount+. This electrifying matchup pits Sean Strickland (29–7) against Anthony Hernandez, who’s riding an impressive eight-fight UFC winning streak. With #3 and #4 middleweight rankings on the line, this fight could shake up the title picture in a big way.
Adding to the excitement, BettorEdge takes your fight night experience to the next level with its fee-free betting platform and real-time analytics. Dive into the action with their social feed, where you can follow betting trends, connect with experienced users, and share your own predictions as the night progresses. Tools like the Implied Probability Calculator and performance analytics make it easier to spot smart bets and fine-tune your approach. Be part of the action - join the BettorEdge community and elevate your fight night experience!
FAQs
What are my options to watch UFC Fight Night on Paramount+?
If you’re looking to catch UFC Fight Night, you can stream it on Paramount+. Start by signing up for a free trial or picking one of their subscription options, which include monthly and annual plans - perfect for tailoring to your viewing needs.
After subscribing, you’ll have access to the live event and a variety of other exclusive content available on the platform. Don’t forget to check the event schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss a moment of the action!
Can I watch UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez on cable TV?
No, UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez won’t be airing on traditional cable TV. You can catch all the action exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming platform. Just ensure your subscription is active so you don’t miss the live event.
How does BettorEdge make UFC Fight Night betting better?
BettorEdge transforms your UFC Fight Night betting experience with its no-vig betting model, offering a fairer and more transparent way to place your wagers. By eliminating the house edge, it ensures you're getting better value for your bets. Plus, the platform provides access to expert analytics and in-depth fighter profiles, allowing you to explore detailed stats and performance histories for more informed decisions.
What sets BettorEdge apart is its vibrant community of sports fans. You can connect with others to share predictions, discuss market insights, and engage in lively conversations throughout the event. It’s not just about betting - it’s about making fight night more interactive and exciting.
