Overview
- Nicksick told MMA Fighting he will corner Strickland on Feb. 21 in Houston after the pair met privately to resolve differences.
- He cited personal strains and miscommunication around the UFC 312 camp for the fallout, stressing their relationship is intact.
- Hernandez enters on a long winning streak that Nicksick calls championship caliber, making the matchup a stern test for Strickland.
- Nicksick outlined a plan to keep the fight standing when possible, sharpen counter-wrestling, and secure top control and damage if takedowns occur.
- Strickland is 1-2 since winning the 185-pound title, with two losses to Dricus du Plessis and a split-decision win over Paulo Costa, heightening the stakes for his return.