Anthony Hernandez returns to the Octagon this summer for the first time since falling to UFC middleweight champ Sean Strickland.
UFC middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez’s path to a title shot hit a speed bump when he was finished by Sean Strickland at UFC Houston earlier this year. After Strickland won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev, Hernandez has the chance to potentially secure a rematch and a shot at revenge.
Before losing to Strickland, Hernandez won eight consecutive fights, including recent finishes against Roman Dolidze, Brendan Allen, and Roman Kopylov. A win over another top contender could potentially propel Hernandez back into the title mix.
For the first time in many years, the UFC will host an upcoming Fight Night event in Sacramento, California, on August 22nd. Hernandez, who was born in nearby Dunnigan, will get the homecoming of a lifetime in a massive fight in the middleweight division.
Anthony Hernandez returns for first fight since Sean Strickland ended long win streak
Rodrigues returns to the Octagon on a three-fight win streak since losing to former title challenger Jared Cannonier in February 2025. He most recently knocked out Brunno Ferreira with one punch at UFC 326 in March.
Hernandez and Rodrigues are considered two of the most dangerous finishers in the UFC middleweight division. Meanwhile, Strickland could potentially fight Chimaev in an immediate rematch later this year, as hinted by UFC CEO Dana White at a recent press conference.
The August 22nd event will be the first in Sacramento since July 2019, a card headlined by a women’s bantamweight bout between Germaine de Randamie and Aspen Ladd.
What a step down for fluffy. I love Robocop and fluffy, to bad there can be only one
Fluffy about to be on a 2 fight losing streak.
Hope not
I like fluffy, but Hobo-cop aint to be fucked with.
Damn.
Also added to the card, Serghei Spivac returns to action in a heavyweight bout against veteran knockout artist Vitor Petrino. Also at heavyweight, Kennedy Nzechukwu takes on Shamil Gaziev on the card in Sacramento.
A pair of women’s strwweight fights have also been booked for the August card as Carli Judice faces off with Jeisla Chaves while Shanelle Dyer takes on Elise Ride.
At middleweight, Contender Series veteran Wes Schultz returns to action against Jackson McVey.
More fights are expected to be announced in the coming weeks for the event taking place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento with the entire event airing live on Paramount+.
I want Robocop KOed bad since he did that super cheap extra shot on a KOed Hermansson
Some really good fights on this card
