Anthony Hernandez Responds To Racist Comment From Sean Strickland: ‘I Laughed’

Anthony Hernandez has responded to a post from fellow UFC fighter Sean Strickland where Strickland made fun of Hernandez’s Mexican roots.

“Honestly, like, I laughed when I seen that shit,” Hernandez said, “I was like, if that’s the best you got to get in my head, it’s going to be a long fucking night. That shit does not faze me. It’s fucked up, yeah, and I don’t like seeing shit like that.”

Strickland has a history of insensitive comments. After the Super Bowl halftime show, he called Bad Bunny a homophobic slur on social media. Strickland endorsed President Trump during the 2024 election, citing that he liked Trump’s immigration policies. 

Hernandez was born in California, but is proud of his Mexican heritage. The UFC required him to provide proof of residency in Mexico to walk out with the Mexican flag before fights. 

Hernandez has been in the MMA since 2014. He defeated Trey Williams with a knockout in his first fight. He won his most recent fight in 2025, forcing Roman Dolidze into submission. Hernandez has a 15-2 record, including eight straight wins.

Strickland has been in the MMA since 2008. He forced Tyler Porttett into submission in his first fight. He lost his last fight in 2025 to Dricus du Plessis in a unanimous decision. Strickland’s career record is 29-7. He’s lost two of his last three matchups.

The fight between Hernandez and Strickland is scheduled for Feb. 21. SportsLine lists Hernandez as the betting favorite. Hernandez has been on a win streak recently, but Strickland has the experience to put up a great fight. 

Hernandez-Strickland is the main event of the UFC Fight Night at the Toyota Center in Houston. A fight between Geoff Neal and Uros Medic is considered the co-main event of the night.