Event Overview
The UFC makes its return to Houston for an action-packed Fight Night card, headlined by a middleweight bout between former champion Sean Strickland and surging contender Anthony Hernandez. This event features a mix of ranked fighters and emerging talents, with a notable middleweight main card matchup between Zachary Reese and Michel Pereira. Houston’s passionate MMA fanbase is set to create an electric atmosphere, marking the promotion’s first visit to the city since 2023 in a venue known for hosting memorable UFC events.
- Venue Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States. This arena seats up to 19,000 for MMA events, offering modern facilities and a history of vibrant UFC crowds.
- Prelims begin at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PST), with the main card starting at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST). The Reese vs. Pereira fight is on the main card, likely around 9:00-10:00 PM ET, streaming on Paramount+.
Injury Report
No major injuries have been reported for Zachary Reese or Michel Pereira leading into this bout. Reese competed in November 2025 without noted issues, securing a submission win. Pereira has been on a three-fight losing skid but appears healthy, with no disclosures of lingering effects from his August 2025 knockout loss. Both fighters, at ages 31 and 32, are expected to be at full strength, though Pereira’s recent defeats could raise questions about his durability.
Fighter Matchups: Zachary Reese vs. Michel Pereira
This middleweight main card clash features Reese’s size and finishing ability against Pereira’s athleticism and experience. Reese’s reach could keep Pereira at bay in stand-up, while Pereira’s grappling might exploit Reese’s recent knockout loss. Expect a potential early finish (55% chance) in this stylistic matchup.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Zachary Reese (“Savage”)
- Record: 10-2-0 (1 NC)
- Age: 31
- Height/Reach: 6’4″ / 77″
- Stance: Switch
- Strengths: Knockout power (5 KOs); submissions (3); first-round finishes (7).
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to knockouts (2 losses); inconsistent UFC run.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Jackson McVey | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 / 1:38 |
| Sep 13, 2025 | Sedriques Dumas | NC | No Contest (Accidental Foul) | 1 / 0:51 |
| May 31, 2025 | Duško Todorović | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Jan 18, 2025 | Azamat Bekoev | Loss | KO/TKO (Punches) | 1 / 3:04 |
| Aug 24, 2024 | José Daniel Medina | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
Reese is 3-1 (1 NC) in his last five, with two finishes, showing resilience but knockout risks.
Michel Pereira (“Demolidor”)
- Record: 31-14-0 (2 NC)
- Age: 32
- Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 73″
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Versatile finisher (11 KOs, 9 subs); athleticism; experience.
- Weaknesses: Recent losing streak (0-3); striking defense issues.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Aug 23, 2025 | Kyle Daukaus | Loss | KO/TKO (Punches) | 1 / 0:43 |
| Apr 26, 2025 | Abus Magomedov | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Oct 19, 2024 | Anthony Hernandez | Loss | TKO (Elbows) | 5 / 2:22 |
| May 4, 2024 | Ihor Potieria | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 / 0:54 |
| Mar 9, 2024 | Michał Oleksiejczuk | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 / 1:01 |
Pereira is 2-3 in his last five, on a three-fight skid after an eight-win streak.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Reese and Pereira. No prior encounters or shared opponents offer direct comparisons, but Pereira’s experience could test Reese’s momentum in this middleweight tilt.
FIGHT ODDS
Zachary Reese + 130
Michel Pereira – 150
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
