Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez are set to collide in a pivotal middleweight main event at UFC Houston on Feb. 21. For Strickland, the bout represents a chance to steady himself after falling short in his most recent title rematch against Dricus du Plessis.

For Hernandez, it is the biggest opportunity of his career, carrying an eight-fight winning streak into a matchup that could decide the next contender at 185 pounds. With contrasting styles and high stakes, the fight has quickly become one of the division’s most meaningful crossroads.

Ahead of Saturday’s headline bout, let’s explore Hernandez’s ethnicity:

What is Anthony Hernandez’s ethnicity

Anthony Hernandez is a Mexican-American fighter, often identifying himself within the Chicano community, and he has spoken openly about how deeply he connects with his Mexican roots. Born in Dunnigan, California, Hernandez has described his upbringing as strongly shaped by Mexican culture. He said that he grew up in an environment where that identity was central to his family life.

On his father’s side, Hernandez is first-generation American, with family members who crossed the border into Texas under difficult circumstances. On his mother’s side, he is second-generation. That blend has shaped how he views himself, both as an American athlete and as someone who feels a responsibility to honor where his family came from.

Hernandez’s connection to his heritage has been especially visible in the lead-up to this fight, after he revealed frustrations with the UFC regarding his desire to represent Mexico. He claimed the promotion initially created obstacles when he wanted to walk out under the Mexican flag, requiring extensive documentation such as his grandparents’ birth certificates.

In an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said:

“Dude, I don’t get special treatment. That’s why I’m on a f*cking eight-fight win streak. There’s no special treatment here. I have to go earn everything, unfortunately. And it’s how my life has always been so f*ck it.”

He added:

“I had to like jump through some hoops real quick, and had to find my f*cking grandparents’ birth certificates and show that they’re from Mexico and that I can represent…Man, it’s where my blood’s from. My dad’s from there, my mom’s family is from there, that’s my heritage. Yes, I’m American. Yes, I’ve been here, but everything we’ve had and sh*t, we’ve had to earn.”

Check out the full interview below:

For Hernandez, the situation felt like an unnecessary burden, particularly given his status as one of the division’s most consistent rising contenders.

That controversy became even more charged once Strickland inserted himself into the conversation in his usual provocative fashion. Strickland posted a photoshopped image online portraying himself as an ICE agent opposite Hernandez in Mexican attire. Strickland faced immediate backlash for his post.

While Strickland is no stranger to stirring reactions, the dynamic has amplified the stakes for the upcoming clash. Hernandez has largely kept his focus on competition.

He has built his surge through relentless grappling pressure, setting divisional records for completed takedowns and wearing opponents down with pace and control. The winner in Houston could move directly into title contention.