UFC returns to Sacramento as Hernandez seeks redemption against knockout artist Rodrigues
Anthony Hernandez, the local favourite, faced a stylistic clash with Gregory Rodrigues at the Golden 1 Center, marking the promotion’s first return to the city since 2019.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on 22 August 2026, marking the organisation’s first appearance in the state capital since July 2019. The event was headlined by a middleweight contest between Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues, a matchup that drew significant attention from local supporters and betting markets alike.
Hernandez, a native of Dunnigan located 40 miles from Sacramento, entered the bout as the -215 favourite according to FanDuel. The local hero was seeking a bounce back from a loss to Sean Strickland, which had snapped an eight-fight win streak and potentially cost him a title shot. Currently tied with Caio Borralho for the No. 5 spot in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at 185 pounds, Hernandez aimed to re-enter the championship chase with a dominant performance.
His opponent, Gregory Rodrigues, known as “Robocop,” was the +180 underdog. Ranked No. 15, Rodrigues entered the fight on a three-fight winning streak, having secured victories in six of his last seven contests. Although initially known for his grappling, Rodrigues has established himself as a respected knockout artist in the UFC, with seven of his octagon victories coming by way of KO/TKO. His most recent win was a first-round knockout of Brunno Ferreira.
The first round showcased a distinct clash of styles, with Hernandez immediately pressing for takedowns and controlling the fence to limit Rodrigues’ movement. The referee for the bout was Herb Dean. Hernandez employed wall-and-stall tactics, attempting to overwhelm the Brazilian with grappling pressure, while Rodrigues looked to counter with striking, particularly targeting the body.
Despite Hernandez’s efforts to secure takedowns, Rodrigues managed to create space and land a jab described as the most meaningful damage of the fight. The exchanges were physical, with Hernandez cutting Rodrigues with an elbow, though he absorbed a knee to the body while attempting another takedown. The round highlighted the strategic tension between Hernandez’s pressure game and Rodrigues’ ability to land significant strikes.
The event was streamed exclusively on Paramount+, with the main card commencing at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. While the live coverage detailed the intense opening exchanges, the final result of the bout was not explicitly stated in the initial reporting, leaving the outcome of this high-stakes middleweight clash to be determined by the judges.
