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Alex Pereira won't wait on Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane before his next fight: "I want to fight for the belt"

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3 weeks ago

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Alex Pereira won't wait on Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane before his next fight: "I want to fight for the belt"
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Alex Pereira is eager to get back on the horse following his recent setback.

Pereira attempted to become a three-division champion when he fought Ciryl Gane in the UFC Freedom 250 co-headliner. The interim UFC heavyweight title was at stake, and “Poatan†relinquished the 205-pound gold in an effort to fight for the prize in a higher weight class. It didn't work out for Pereira, who was stopped in the second stanza via TKO.

Despite the loss, Pereira is sticking around at heavyweight. During a fan Q&A prior to UFC Belgrade, the surefire future UFC Hall of Famer said he's looking forward to his rebound fight (via MMAMania.com).

“Since I entered the organization, I always take one step at a time,†Pereira said. “My objective was to get to the belt, to become champion, and I was able to do that. Then I moved up a division. That was my idea, to become champion in another division. I went after the third belt. This time, this fight did not work out, but I have a lot of willpower and I am very excited for my next fight.â€

When asked whether or not he prefers to wait for reigning champion Tom Aspinall and Gane to have their expected rematch, “Poatan†made it clear that he wants to return soon.

“I do not know what will happen, and I do not know how long that fight will take,†Pereira said. “For sure I want to fight before, and after that I want to fight for the belt.â€

Pereira has been quite vocal about the officiating during his loss to Gane back in June. The former two-division titleholder has blamed Herb Dean for failing to warn “Bon Gamin†about illegal strikes to the back of the head. The Brazilian bruiser has even called for Dean to be fired as an official.

With Alex Pereira sticking around at heavyweight, who should he face next? Let us know your choice in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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UFC Sacramento live blog: Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues

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3 hours ago

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August 22, 2026

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UFC Sacramento live blog: Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues

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. Rodrigues just chopping Hernandez down, except he won't actually go down.

Finally, Hernandez gets a body lock, but he has a lot of ground to make up if he wants to avoid falling behind on the scorecards. Rodrigues with a whizzer to block another Hernandez takedown attempt. He finally gets the takedown, but that's about it.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Rodrigues. Overall, 39-37 Rodrigues.

Hernandez immediately goes for a takedown. If he can get Rodrigues down early, he could work for the finish he needs. More pressure from Hernandez, but he cannot get Rodrigues to the canvas. It's back to the striking.

They trade punches, Hernandez landing up top, Rodrigues ripping the body. Hernandez coming forward again, he's landing and takes the fight back to the fence. Short elbow from Hernandez, Rodrigues not giving him a lot of options as there's plenty of hand fighting. Back to the center of the cage, with Rodrigues bearing down on Hernandez. Rodrigues stuffs a takedown. This is a close round, and no matter which way it goes, that's not great for Hernandez.

One thing is for sure: these guys are leaving it all in the cage. They're still throwing, Rodrigues getting the better of it with another Hernandez-tripping leg kick. Rodrigues now in top position with a little over a minute to go, Hernandez seeing the fight get away from him. This is Rodrigues' fight.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Rodrigues. Overall, 49-46 Rodrigues.

Official result: Gregory Rodrigues def. Anthony Hernandez via unanimous decision (48-47 x2, 49-46)

Rodrigues praises Hernandez, then says he's proud to have proven that he can win a five-round fight.

He has a call-out, too: Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

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UFC Sacramento: 'Hernandez vs. Rodrigues' Live Results and Highlights

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4 hours ago

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August 22, 2026

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UFC Sacramento: 'Hernandez vs. Rodrigues' Live Results and Highlights
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The Octagon returns to the Golden 1 Center for tonight's UFC Sacramento event, a 13-bout fight card headlined by Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues.

Hernandez (15-3 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since suffering a third-round TKO loss to reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland this past February. Prior to that setback, ‘Fluffy' has strung together an impressive eight-fight winning streak, a stretch which included victories over Michel Pereira, Roman Dolidze and Brendan Allen.

Meanwhile, Gregory Rodrigues (19-6 MMA) will enter tonight's headliner sporting a three-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming by way of knockout over Brunno Ferreira this past March at UFC 326. ‘Robocop' has gone 4-1 over his past five Octagon appearances overall, with his lone loss in that stretch coming against Jared Cannonier.

UFC Sacramento is co-headlined by a heavyweight contest featuring Serghei Spivac taking on Vitor Petrino.

(via Al Powers/Zuffa LLC)

Spivac (18-6 MMA) was most previously seen in action this past February at UFC Houston, where he scored a unanimous decision victory over Ante Delija. That win snapped a two-fight losing skid for the ‘Polar Bear', who had dropped fights to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Jailton Almeida in his prior Octagon appearances.

Meanwhile, Vitor Petrino (14-2 MMA) will enter this evening's co-main attraction sporting a three-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming over Steven Asplund this past March in Las Vegas. Prior to that decision win, ‘Cabuloso' was coming off back-to-back stoppage victories against opponents Austen Lane and Thomas Petersen respectively.

Also featured on this evening's UFC Sacramento main card lineup is a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout featuring Reinier de Ridder taking on Roman Dolidze.

De Ridder (21-4 MMA) will enter the contest with hopes of snapping a two-fight losing skid. ‘RDR' is coming off losses to Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen in his most recent Octagon appearances. Prio to those setbacks, the former ONE champion had put together a five-fight winning streak, which included victories over Bo Nickal and Robert Whittaker.

Meanwhile, Roman Dolidze (15-5 MMA) will also be looking to snap a two-bout losing skid this evening in California. ‘The Caucasian' is coming off defeats to tonight's headliners Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues in his most recent efforts. Prior those setbacks, Dolidze had won three straight fights over Anthony Smith, Kevin Holland and Marvin Vettori respectively.

Get all of tonight's live results and highlights below (refresh for updates):

UFC Sacramento Main Card (8pm EST on Paramount+)

185 lbs: Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues –

265 lbs: Serghei Spivac vs. Vitor Petrino – Petrino def. Spivac by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

205 lbs: Reinier de Ridder vs. Roman Dolidze – De Ridder def. Dolidze via TKO (punches) at 4:01 of Round 1

155 lbs: MarQuel Mederos vs. Mason Jones – Mederos def. Jones via TKO (punches) at 2:07 of Round 2

125 lbs: Carli Judice vs. Jeisla Chaves – Judice def. Chaves via TKO (body kick and punches at 1:39 of Round 1

265 lbs: Anthony Wint vs. Terrance Chatman – Wint def. Chatman via Technical Submission (arm triangle choke) at 4:29 of Round 1

UFC Sacramento Prelims (5:00 EST on Paramount+)

145 lbs: Jamall Emmers vs. Lerryan Douglas – Emmers def. Douglas via TKO (punches) at 3:38 of Round 1

265 lbs: Shamil Gaziev vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu – Gaziev def. Nzechukwu via KO (straight right) at 3:40 of Round 1

155 lbs: Chris Padilla vs. Nasrat Haqparast – Padilla def. Haqparast via technical submission (arm triangle) at 4:59 of Round 3

145 lbs: Marcio Barbosa vs. Ryan Kuse – Barbosa def. Kuse via TKO (punches) at 2:47 of Round 1

155 lbs: Stan Dorsainvil vs. Gauge Young – Dorsainvil def. Young by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

185 lbs: Jackson McVey vs. Wes Schultz – McVey def. Schultz via TKO (knee to the body at 4:13 of Round 1

115 lbs: Shanelle Dyer vs. Elise Reed – Dyer def Reed via TKO (punches) at 1:42 of Round 3

Who are you picking to win tonight's main event between Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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UFC Sacramento Results: Reinier de Ridder TKO's Roman Dolidze (Video)

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5 hours ago

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August 22, 2026

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UFC Sacramento Results: Reinier de Ridder TKO's Roman Dolidze (Video)
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We have you covered for all of tonight's UFC Sacramento results, including the light heavyweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Roman Dolidze.

De Ridder (21-4 MMA) will enter the contest with hopes of snapping a two-fight losing skid. ‘RDR' is coming off losses to Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen in his most recent Octagon appearances. Prio to those setbacks, the former ONE champion had put together a five-fight winning streak, which included victories over Bo Nickal and Robert Whittaker.

Meanwhile, Roman Dolidze (15-5 MMA) will also be looking to snap a two-bout losing skid this evening in California. ‘The Caucasian' is coming off defeats to tonight's headliners Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues in his most recent efforts. Prior those setbacks, Dolidze had won three straight fights over Anthony Smith, Kevin Holland and Marvin Vettori respectively.

Round one of this UFC Sacramento light heavyweight matchup begins and Reinier de Ridder comes forward quickly with a combination. Roman Dolidze forces the clinch but that allows ‘RDR' to get him down to the canvas with relative ease. A scramble ensues. Dolidze looks for a knee bar. He continues to adjust. Reinier de Ridder works the body with some punches. He rolls to a better position and is now dropping down some elbows and hammer fists. Another scramble ensues and ‘RDR' winds up in half guard. Some big shots from De Ridder. He's landing some serious leather. The referee is warning Dolidze he must move. He eventually does, but ‘RDR' is still all over him. He re-establishes half guard and then attempts to leap into mount. He settles for side control and then quickly establishes full mount. Big shots and Dolidze gives up his back. More punches from Reinier and this one is all over! WOW!

Official UFC Sacramento Results: Reinier de Ridder def. Roman Dolidze via TKO (punches) at 4:01 of Round 1

Who would you like to see De Ridder fight next following his TKO victory over Dolidze this evening in California? Share your thoughts in the comment section Penn Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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