Gregory Rodrigues Set to Stand Out in UFC Middleweight
Gregory Rodrigues has turned the promise in this 2025 preview into a notable middleweight run. After losing a main event to Jared Cannonier, he rebounded with four straight victories: knockouts of Jack Hermansson and Brunno Ferreira, a decision over Roman Kopylov, and a five-round decision over Anthony Hernandez in Sacramento. Rodrigues then called out former champion Dricus du Plessis, but no next opponent has been announced.
A promising prospect faced a hard reset
The Brazilian had earned attention for his aggressive boxing and finishing ability, and a win over Cannonier could have pushed him toward the middleweight top ten. That outlook was an assessment of what the fight might mean, not a guarantee of a title opportunity. The official event recap records that Cannonier stopped Rodrigues by strikes at 0:21 of the fourth round on February 15.
The result interrupted the momentum Rodrigues had built with four wins in five appearances, including a decision over Christian Leroy Duncan at the 2024 Manchester event. Against Cannonier, Rodrigues had early success and dropped the veteran, but Cannonier recovered, increased his pressure, and finished the fight in the fourth. It showed both sides of the danger in Rodrigues’ style: he can hurt a durable opponent quickly, yet a demanding pace and a resilient counterpuncher can turn the bout if he cannot sustain his early output.
Knockout wins rebuilt his standing
Rodrigues responded in emphatic fashion four months later. At the June 28, 2025 card, he knocked out Jack Hermansson with a left hook at 4:21 of the opening round. The promotion’s official results list the finish, and the quick stoppage returned Rodrigues to the win column against an experienced opponent known for his grappling and pressure.
His next victory required more minutes and a different approach. Rodrigues defeated Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision at a November 2025 event, with all three judges scoring the bout for him, according to the official scorecards. Those back-to-back wins changed the story from recovery after a setback to steady progress against established middleweights. Rodrigues remained a powerful finisher, but the Kopylov result also gave him a full three-round win in a competitive striking matchup.
Rodrigues then avenged an earlier defeat to Brunno Ferreira at that event on March 7, 2026. The official results record a first-round knockout at 1:47, leveling their series at one win apiece. The finish extended Rodrigues’ run to three consecutive victories and earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus, according to the promotion’s bonus report. This win came before the Sacramento main event, making Hernandez his fourth straight victory since the Cannonier loss.
A five-round test in Sacramento
Rodrigues’ biggest test since that loss came in the main event against Anthony Hernandez on August 22, 2026. Hernandez entered as a highly ranked contender and brought a reputation for relentless wrestling and pace. Rodrigues won a unanimous decision after five rounds, with scores of 49-46 and 48-47 twice. The MMA Fighting account described how Rodrigues defended takedowns, used damaging leg kicks, and adjusted after Hernandez had success in the middle rounds. It was Rodrigues’ fourth consecutive win and his first victory by five-round decision.
Afterward, Rodrigues called for a matchup with former champion Dricus du Plessis and framed it as a route toward a title shot. That callout reflects ambition, not a confirmed booking. A title opportunity would depend on the division’s schedule, rankings, and future results; the available public record does not show that the matchup has been made. The official event recap confirms the Sacramento main event and Rodrigues’ win.
What “standing out” means now
His path since then has been more complicated than a straight climb: a punishing loss to Cannonier was followed by a first-round knockout, a measured decision over Kopylov, a revenge knockout of Ferreira, and a five-round win over Hernandez. That sequence demonstrates resilience and range, while also showing why one strong performance alone does not settle a fighter’s title position.
At 34, Rodrigues has made a stronger case for major middleweight fights than he had before the Cannonier bout. His power remains the clearest calling card, but his ability to defend takedowns and maintain effectiveness late against Hernandez may prove just as important when facing the division’s best. The next step is still unconfirmed. Until the promotion announces an opponent, the grounded conclusion is that “Robocop” has rebuilt his momentum and entered the contender conversation—not that a title fight is already secured.
