Ahead of UFC 331 in Los Angeles, the promotion heads to California’s capital city this weekend for a Fight Night card in Sacramento. In the main event, hometown favorite Anthony Hernandez will take on Gregory Rodrigues in a five-round showdown between top-ranked middleweights.
Hernandez (15–3, 9–3 UFC) is coming off a third-round TKO loss to eventual two-time champion Sean Strickland in February, which halted an eight-fight winning streak. Rodrigues (19–6, 10–3 UFC) has won three straight after his first-round knockout of Brunno Ferreira in March.
Hernandez enters as a -185 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Rodrigues is a +154 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 3.5 rounds.
Hernandez vs. Rodrigues Preview
Anthony Hernandez (#6)
- 15–3 (9–3 UFC)
- 3–2 (T)KO
- 9–1 SUB
Don’t let his latest outing fool you — Anthony Hernandez is a legitimate threat at 185 pounds. “Fluffy” had the misfortune of taking on former champ Sean Strickland, who halted his opponent’s eight-fight surge en route to reclaiming the middleweight throne against Khamzat Chimaev earlier this year.
At 32, Hernandez still has plenty of time to make a push for the title. And he’s never been one for waiting around. The Mexican-American contender is known for his relentless pace, smothering opponents with forward pressure and takedown attempts. In his third career main event — and first in front of the Sactown crowd — Hernandez aims to defend his ranking with a performance that reminds the division how he earned it in the first place.
Gregory Rodrigues (#11)
- 19–6 (10–3 UFC)
- 12–4 (T)KO
- 3–0 SUB
Gregory Rodrigues, meanwhile, will be hunting for another highlight. “Robocop” presses forward with wrecking-ball power, and he needed only two punches to send Brunno Ferreira to the shadow realm earlier this year. It was his 12th professional knockout, his third straight win, and his sixth victory over his last seven fights.
Although he would much rather stand and bang — a game plan that has led to overswinging and an exposed chin on several occasions — the 34-year-old Brazilian arrives in Sacramento with a well-rounded skill set. He owns a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a 75 percent career takedown defense. After falling short in his first main event in early 2025, Rodrigues may look to emphasize that he wields all the necessary tools to thrive at the sport’s highest level.
Hernandez vs. Rodrigues Pick, Best Bet
It’s tough to shake the feeling that Gregory Rodrigues is heading into Sacramento as a live dog. His knockout power keeps him one shot away from a victory at all times, and his decorated jiu-jitsu background should afford him the capacity to stymie Anthony Hernandez’s nonstop grappling pressure. With a spot in the middleweight top five potentially up for grabs, “Robocop” should put it all on display and play spoiler to the hometown favorite. And knowing Rodrigues, that victory could come in highlight-reel fashion.
Best Bet: Gregory Rodrigues Moneyline (+154)
Lean: Gregory Rodrigues by KO/TKO/DQ (+200)
