Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues to headline UFC's Sacramento return

Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues are set to meet in a middleweight main event when the UFC makes its next stop in Sacramento, with the bout officially booked as of late June 2026.

Hernandez, known as "Fluffy," enters the fight as one of the division's most compelling contenders. The 32-year-old American carries a 15-3 record and currently sits ranked third in the middleweight division. Fighting out of MMA Gold Fight Team, Hernandez brings an unusually complete game to the Octagon. His takedown rate of 5.88 per 15 minutes ranks among the busiest in the division, and his striking accuracy of 60 percent makes him dangerous on the feet as well, where he lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute.

Rodrigues, nicknamed "Robocop," gives Hernandez a significant stylistic test. The 34-year-old Brazilian fighting out of Kill Cliff FC holds a 19-6 record and brings volume striking at a high rate, landing 5.6 significant strikes per minute. Standing six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, Rodrigues uses his size and forward pressure to dictate pace, though his 51 percent striking accuracy reflects the aggressive style he employs.

Why it matters

• Hernandez holds the number-three middleweight ranking, meaning a loss would significantly damage his path toward a title shot
• Rodrigues carries the size and striking output to trouble any opponent, giving this matchup a genuine momentum-swinging quality at 185 pounds
• The contrasting approaches — Hernandez's high-volume grappling against Rodrigues's striker-forward game — sets up a clear stylistic clash in the main event slot