MMA
What's next for Gregory Rodrigues and Anthony Hernandez after UFC Sacramento?
The UFC was in Sacramento, California, on Saturday for a solid UFC Sacramento card. The main event saw middleweight contenders throw down as Gregory Rodrigues took on Anthony Hernandez in a pivotal fight at 185lbs.
Rodrigues entered the bout with a record of 19-6 and was on a three-fight winning streak with wins over Jack Hermansson, Roman Kopylov, and Brunno Ferreira. Hernandez, meanwhile, was coming off a TKO loss to Sean Strickland in his first UFC main event back in February.
Ultimately, it was Rodrigues who picked up an upset decision win over Hernandez to prove he's a legit contender at middleweight. Following UFC Sacramento, here is what I think should be next for the middleweight contenders.
Gregory Rodrigues
Gregory Rodrigues entered UFC Sacramento as the underdog, but the Brazilian had plenty of success. Rodrigues was able to defend Hernandez's takedowns. The Brazilian stuffed 26 of the 29 takedown attempts from Hernandez, and on the feet, Rodrigues was able to land the better shots.
With the win, Rodrigues proved he's a legit title contender at middleweight and should get a top-10 if not top-five, opponent next. Rodrigues could get another main event next, and a logical next bout is to face Joe Pyfer. Neither has fights booked, and it's a solid main event where the winner could get into a No. 1 contender fight.
Anthony Hernandez
Anthony Hernandez had been considered the dark horse at middleweight for quite some time, but he's now lost back-to-back fights, and whether or not he's a contender anymore is up for debate. Hernandez couldn't get Rodrigues down, and his striking wasn't up to the Brazilian's level.
Hernandez will need to take a step back in competition after the losses and will get someone near the bottom of the rankings. A logical next fight is to face Ikram Aliskerov, who's ranked 13th and deserves a top-10 guy next. It's a tough bout for Hernandez, but a win over Aliskerov would prove he's still a threat at middleweight.
Who do you think should be next for Gregory Rodrigues and Anthony Hernandez after UFC Sacramento?
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
ONE ChampionshipJonathan Haggerty spent last Friday watching someone else fight. Next month marks his own turn again, and the stakes are considerably higher for the reigning bantamweight kickboxing king.
Jonathan Haggerty defends his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship against former divisional king Hiroki Akimoto in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 4 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, October 17.
The assignment comes after Haggerty watched his brother, Freddie Haggerty, grind out a unanimous decision over Rungruanglek TN Muaythai at The Inner Circle 30 in Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, a result that pushed Freddie's record to 25-5 and snapped Rungruanglek's five-fight winning streak. Freddie dropped Rungruanglek twice across the opening two rounds before closing the fight out on the back foot with sharp counters.
“It was a great performance. It was pushing for the stoppage, but we didn't get it,†Jonathan said. “It's all love; it's a learning curve. In this sport, you can never stop learning, so we'll go back to the drawing board.â€
Jonathan Haggerty predicts fireworks against Akimoto
Watching his brother's disciplined performance seemed to sharpen Jonathan's own approach heading into his title defense. He has never been one to shy away from bold declarations before a fight, and this time is no different.
The 29-year-old Englishman has spent a run spanning multiple weight classes and two disciplines building toward this kind of stage, defending gold on home soil in Japan against a fighter who once held the very title he now carries.
“I'm more than ready. Fans can expect fireworks, explosiveness, and a knockout.
“Thank you so much for always supporting me for years now. You guys are a big part of ONE Championship. Fans pick you up when you're down. They make you positive. That extra bit of motivation just spurs you on.â€
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
Scott Coker reveals new name for MMA organization, launch plans and details for Grand Prix in 2027
Brian Ortega out of UFC 331; Renato Moicano gets new opponent
Jonathan Haggerty sets sights on Hiroki Akimoto after watching brother win
Crawfords Unyielding Pursuit of Ryan Garcias Spotlight: A Rivalry Unfolds
-
Boxing2 days agoStrategic Analysis of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn: Key Insights and Fight Breakdown
-
MMA2 days agoCoach defends Ian Machado Garry for hugging Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, confident in rematch: ‘We’re going to have that belt next year’
-
MMA1 day agoArman Tsarukyan in do-or-die situation at UFC 331: ‘If I lose this fight, I’m never going to see a title fight’
-
Boxing1 day agoConor Benn Knocked Out: Another Eubank Pay Day Awaits
-
MMA1 day agoConor McGregor criticizes Max Holloway for showing mercy in UFC 329 disaster: "Finish the f*cking fight"
-
MMA1 day agoJean Silva reveals has no memory of loss to Diego Lopes at Noche UFC last year
-
MMA1 day agoArman Tsarukyan admits he may never get title shot if he loses UFC 331 bout against Mauricio Ruffy
-
MMA1 day agoTommy McMillen says UFC rival was pleading for respect after war