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

Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues have been bumped up to the co-main event slot at UFC Oklahoma City, scheduled for July 18, after Charles Jourdain and Marlon Vera were moved to a separate event.

Hernandez, known as "Fluffy," enters the elevated matchup riding strong momentum in the middleweight division. The 32-year-old American, who trains out of MMA Gold Fight Team, holds a 15-3 record and sits at number three in the middleweight rankings. His game is built around relentless pressure — he lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 60 percent accuracy, and his wrestling is equally dangerous, averaging nearly 5.88 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.

Rodrigues, nicknamed "Robocop," brings a high-octane striking style to the co-main event. The 34-year-old Brazilian, representing Kill Cliff FC, carries a 19-6 record and stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach. He leads both men in raw output, posting 5.6 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 51 percent. Rodrigues also mixes in a wrestling dimension, averaging 1.93 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Hernandez's number-three middleweight ranking means a strong performance could push him closer to title contention
• Rodrigues's volume striking against Hernandez's elite accuracy and takedown threat sets up a compelling stylistic clash
• The promotion to co-main event gives both fighters a significantly larger platform on the Oklahoma City card, which also features a five-round headliner and bouts between Cannonier and Duncan, and Holland and Smith