Shawn Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez for the title on the Ft Night card

A ranked rivalry match, possibly full of future title implications, is officially scheduled.

The UFC announced Saturday that former middleweight champion Shawn Strickland will take on Anthony Hernandez in the main event of the Fight Night card on Feb. 21 in Houston.

When Strickland (29-7-0) steps into the Toyota Center Octagon, it will be his first bout against the No. 3 contender in more than a year, since he lost his title rematch to Dreux du Plessis (also now the former champion).

He is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his role in a post-fight brawl in Las Vegas last June. The ban will end next month.

Strickland originally won the 185-pound belt with a unanimous decision win over Israel Adsania in 2023, but promptly lost it in his first title defense against Du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto.

Sandwiched between his losses to “Stillknocks,” Strickland took care of business against Polo Costa via split decision at UFC 302.

As for Hernandez (15-2-0), the bout undoubtedly represents the toughest test for one of the middleweight division’s hottest fighters.

“Fluffy” is in the midst of an eight-fight win streak, having not lost since a first-round stoppage against Kevin Holland five years ago.

Two of his last three wins have come against ranked opponents, first a unanimous decision over Brendan Allen (No. 5), then a fourth-round submission over Roman Doldez (No. 12) — moving Hernandez up to No. 4.

Hernandez was supposed to meet a fellow rising middleweight in Reiner de Ridder in October, but had to withdraw due to injury.

Now he will face the former champion in Australia, with both fighters hoping that an impressive win could give them a shot at eliminating Khamzat Chimaev, who has yet to confirm an opponent for his much-anticipated first title defense.