Uros Medic lights up Geoff Neal. Just when the Toyota Center crowd thought they had seen the knockout of the night, another highlight-reel finish followed in the co-main event as Uros Medic scored a stunning first-round knockout over Geoff Neal at the Toyota Center.
On Saturday night, February 21, 2026, the Octagon made its way to the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, where a loud Texas crowd filled the arena for UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez. The lights were bright, the energy was high, and the co-main event fighters stepped into the cage knowing they had a chance to make a big statement before the main event even began.
Geoff Neal entered the co-main event with a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers at 170 lbs. Neal is known for his heavy hands and ability to finish fights both early and late, with multiple knockout wins on his resume. After riding a hot streak through 2022 and 2023 that included a dramatic late KO over Shavkat Rakhmonov, Neal’s momentum slowed as he faced tougher competition at the top end of the welterweight division. Even so, his striking power and confidence inside the Octagon make him a threat to anyone on the roster. In this fight, Neal had hope to remind fans and UFC decision-makers that he still belongs in the Top 15 mix and a big win here could position him for further opportunities later in 2026.
Uros Medic his opponent has quickly gained a reputation as an exciting young striker in the welterweight division. Since making his UFC debut, Medic has shown a knack for finishing fights, earning several impressive stoppages with power shots and aggressive striking combinations.
His rapid ascent has turned heads inside the MMA community, and Medic entered the co-main event riding confidence and momentum. A win over a veteran like Neal would represent the biggest victory of his career so far.
As soon as the fight began, both fighters looked to set the tone early. Neal pushed forward and landed an initial punch to the body, trying to establish his striking rhythm. Medic responded with a body kick and a right hand, showing he was comfortable mixing his strikes from the opening second.
Neal then stepped in with a right hand, but Medic stayed composed and continued to throw sharp shots while moving forward. After a brief exchange, Medic unleashed a perfectly timed left hook to the temple and just 79 seconds into the opening round, Neal crashed to the canvas, unconscious from the big punch.
The impact was dramatic and Neal went down instantly as the referee waved off the fight, earning Medic one of the fastest and most emphatic knockouts on the entire Houston card.
Before the co-main event fireworks, the Houston crowd had already been treated to one of the most exciting bouts of the night. Melquizael Costa delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments of the card when he demolished Dan Ige with a brutal spinning back kick knockout. In what quickly turned into one of the most exciting bouts on the card, both fighters came out aggressive, trading shots early and refusing to take a backward step.
Just as the exchanges were heating up, Costa created a small opening and unleashed a perfectly timed spinning back kick that landed flush, instantly dropping Ige. The impact was devastating, and the referee had no choice but to wave it off as the crowd erupted. It was the kind of highlight-reel finish that steals the show, it was explosive, sudden, and unforgettable making it one of the standout performances of the entire event.
UFC Houston Main Card
Sean Strickland def. Anthony Hernandez via third-round TKO (2:33)
Uros Medic def. Geoff Neal via first-round KO (1:19)
Melquizael Costa def. Dan Ige via first-round TKO (4:56)
Serghei Spivac def. Ante Delija via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Jacobe Smith def. Josiah Harrell via first-round KO (3:01)
Michel Pereira def Zachary Reese via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
UFC Houston Prelims
Carlos Leal def. Chidi Njokuani via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Alibi Idiris def. Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Alden Coria def. Luis Gurule via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Joselyne Edwards def. Nora Cornolle via submission (RNC) (R2, 2:44)
Punahele Soriano def. Ramiz Brahimaj via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Phil Rowe via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
Jordan Leavitt def. Yadier del Valle via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Carli Judice def. Juliana Miller via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
