This is the UFC Sacramento live blog for Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues, the middleweight main event Saturday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.
Hernandez is currently tied with Caio Borralho for the No. 5 spot at 185 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Rodrigues looks to rise from his No. 15 position
California’s Hernandez (15-3, 1 NC) looks to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Sean Strickland that not only snapped an eight-fight win streak, it probably cost him a title shot. “Fluffy” has made a habit of overwhelming the competition, scoring finishes against Roman Dolidze, Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Rodolfo Vieiera. An impressive performance Saturday places Hernandez back in the thick of the championship chase.
Rodrigues (19-6) is set to make a statement himself after winning his past three fights and six of his past seven. In his most recent outing, Rodrigues avenged one his few losses with a stunning first-round knockout of Brunno Ferreira. Though he was best known for his grappling exploits prior to signing with the UFC in 2021, “Robocop” has become one of the middleweight division’s most respected knockout artists, with seven of his octagon victories coming by way of KO/TKO.
Check out the UFC Sacramento live blog for Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues below.
Love this matchup for the Sacramento fans, who get to cheer on Anthony Hernandez, a native of Dunnigan just 40 miles up from Sac Town. Intriguing clash of styles, too, genuinely not confident either way that Hernandez can overwhelm Rodrigues with pressure before Rodrigues catches him with some blistering body shots and ends his night early.
Hernandez still has a lot of backers as he enters the main event as a -215 favorite, per FanDuel. Rodrigues the underdog at +180.
Referee Herb Dean oversees the main event.
Hernandez immediately goes for a takedown and pushes Rodrigues to the fence. Here we go. Rodrigues struggling to do anything with this position, Hernandez giving him no room to breathe. He changes levels and attacks a single leg, but Rodrigues’ defense holds. They briefly separate before Hernandez goes right back in for another takedown. Classic wall-and-stall going on here.
Rodrigues finally gets some space and lands a jab. Honestly, the most meaningful damage of the fight. Hernandez tries to force another takedown but eats a right hand for his troubles. Those punches might be enough for Rodrigues to take the round. Hernandez with an overhand right and he ducks in for a takedown, but Rodrigues has him scouted. Hernandez cut Rodrigues with an elbow, but eats a knee to the body as he tries to get in. Rodrigues with a counter shot to the body. I’m not sold on Hernandez’s tactics here.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Rodrigues.
Good right hand by Hernandez, but Rodrigues answers with a clean 1-2. Hernandez back to pushing Rodrigues to the fence. Rodrigues backs Hernandez up with another quick hook. He jabs Hernandez’s body, mixed in with some leg kicks. Hernandez wants that takedown but he’s taking a few downward elbows for his troubles. Those leg kicks are taking their toll. Hard leg kick stumbles Rodrigues, that doesn’t look good. Oof, another one and Hernandez is definitely favoring his leg. He’s in trouble.
Rodrigues with all the pressure now. He’s picking his spots, Hernandez’s movement visibly slowed. Big punches from Rodrigues, and another leg kick forces Hernandez to drop the mat. Rodrigues moves into top position and goes to work with that jiu-jitsu we’re always hearing about. Good defense by Hernandez and he makes it back to the feet… before eating another leg kick that trips him up. He could legitimately be injured, not sure he can make it out for Round 3. But he’s coming forward, so maybe he’s fine? Big right hand from Hernandez and they’re slugging it out to close the round. Takedown in the final second, doesn’t mean much for the score, but definitely a statement move for Hernandez.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Rodrigues. Overall, 20-18 Rodrigues.
Hernandez all smiles and immediately goes for a takedown and gets it! Mad man. It’s all Hernandez right now as he is smothering Rodrigues with a lot of time to work. Rodrigues gets to his feet, but Hernandez is not letting up. Slick work from Rodrigues to get free and create space again. Hernandez marching forward and then he dives in for another takedown, well-defended by Rodrigues. Hernandez switching his grip, changing levels, he is testing Rodrigues’ gas tank. Beautiful elbow inside by Hernandez as he stays glued to Rodrigues.
Rodrigues has abandoned the leg kicks, but he probably can’t risk throwing one without immediately getting put on his back. He’s stuck to the fence, Hernandez leaning on him, They trade shots inside, what a grimy fight. More great takedown defense from Rodrigues, but his offense has been severely limited in this round. Strong bounce-back round for Hernandez.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Hernandez. Overall, 29-28 Rodrigues.
Good left hand from Rodrigues to start the round. He’s obviously been told to come forward more and it’s working, he’s scoring points and keeping Hernandez on the backfoot. Hernandez doesn’t look like he’s used to his opponent being the aggressor in the later rounds. Rodrigues shrugs off a takedown attempt and he’s headhunting now. Big punches and more leg kicks.
Hernandez letting his hands go. He knows he has to make Rodrigues respect his standup or the takedown won’t come. What a war right now. Rodrigues clips Hernandez with a hard right and I don’t know how Hernandez wasn’t stunned or rocked by that one.
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