Gregory Rodrigues Calls Out Dricus Du Plessis Following Win Over Hernandez
In the main event of UFC Sacramento on Saturday night, Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues withstood the cardio and heart of Anthony Hernandez, taking home a unanimous decision victory after five rounds.
Prior to this victory, Rodrigues maintained his No. 10 rank in the middleweight division, but he will be looking at a considerable jump up the ladder after the way he dealt with the No. 7-ranked Hernandez. Through this match, “Robocop” extended his winning streak to four, and added an eleventh win to his fourteen-fight UFC record. Meanwhile, Fluffy has not registered a win through his two matches in 2026, previously suffering a loss to now-champion Sean Strickland in February.
Though the match was kept very competitive throughout the 25-minute affair, Rodrigues had several moments where he seemed to be pulling away in the scoring. Despite Hernandez maintaining his pace and continuing to come forward for more combat, Rodrigues had found an edge in the striking department by mixing together low kicks, shots to the body, and uppercuts that rattled the equilibrium of his opponent on multiple occasions.
Drops him twice 👀
[ @Gregory_MMA | #UFCSacramento is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/z33tANd8Aj
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2026
Following the match, it was clear that Rodrigues realized the importance of this victory over a highly ranked 185-pound fighter, and decided to take the opportunity to call out his next opponent. For his next time stepping into the octagon, Rodrigues wants to face the likes of former champion and No. 2-ranked middleweight contender Dricus du Plessis.
The South African former titleholder is fresh off his July victory over Kamaru Usman, and is also hoping to pave a path to Sean Strickland’s title, but “Robocop” appears to have other plans.
One name on his mind 🗣️@Gregory_MMA knows exactly who he wants after his big win!
[ #UFCSacramento | @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/vgXPE9NR1P
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2026
UFC Sacramento Full Card Results:
Main Card:
Gregory Rodrigues def. Anthony Hernandez via Decision (Unanimous) – 48-47, 49-46, 48-47
Vitor Petrino def. Serghei Spivac via Decision (Unanimous) – 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
Reinier de Ridder def. Roman Dolidze via TKO (Punches) – Round 1, 4:01
MarQuel Mederos def. Mason Jones via TKO (Punches) – Round 2, 2:07
Carli Judice def. Jeisla Chaves via TKO (Kick to the Body) – Round 1, 1:39
Anthony Wint def. Terrance Chatman via Technical Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) – Round 1, 4;29Preliminary Card:
Jamall Emmers def. Lerryan Douglas via TKO (Punch) – Round 1, 3:38
Shamil Gaziev def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via KO (Punch) – Round 1, 1:20
Chris Padilla def. Nasrat Haqparast via Technical Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) – Round 3, 4:59
Marcio Barbosa def. Ryan Kuse via TKO (Punch) – Round 1, 2:47
Stan Dorsainvil def. Gauge Young via Decision (Unanimous) – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Jackson McVey def. Wes Schultz via TKO (Knee to the Body) – Round 1, 4:13
Shanelle Dyer def. Elise Reed via TKO (Punches) – Round 3, 1:42