Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues elevated to UFC OKC co-main event

Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues have been elevated to the co-main event slot at UFC Oklahoma City, scheduled for July 18, after the originally planned co-main between Charles Jourdain and Marlon Vera was moved to a separate event. The UFC OKC main card now features a five-round headliner alongside Rodrigues vs. Hernandez, Cannonier vs. Duncan, and Holland vs. Smith.

Hernandez, known as "Fluffy," enters the fight ranked third in the middleweight division at 32 years old. The American fighter out of MMA Gold Fight Team carries a 15-3 record and brings one of the more well-rounded offensive profiles in the division, averaging 4.57 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 60 percent accuracy while also threatening with nearly six takedown attempts per 15 minutes.

Rodrigues, nicknamed "Robocop," is a 34-year-old Brazilian competing out of Kill Cliff FC. Standing six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, he holds a 19-6 record and generates serious offensive output, averaging 5.6 significant strikes landed per minute. His size and volume make him a credible threat at 185 pounds.

Why it matters

• Hernandez is ranked third at middleweight, meaning a strong performance could push him closer to title contention
• Rodrigues's striking volume against Hernandez's takedown threat sets up a compelling stylistic clash
• The promotion to co-main event gives both fighters a higher-profile platform, with five-round main card positioning raising the stakes considerably
• The reshuffling of Jourdain vs. Vera to another event signals ongoing card adjustments heading into the July 18 show