13 days ago
Abus Magomedov is riding high off his UFC 333 win, and who can blame him?
It was a near-perfect recipe. The first-round submission of Cameron Rowston was quick, decisive, and flashy. His flex celebration gave fans a moment to make viral, as did Magomedov's callout of contender Gregory Rodrigues. Perhaps the only thing missing was a Performance of the Night bonus.
"You know what happened last time after my last fight in Baku?" Magomedov told MMA Junkie on Thursday. "It was also a good performance. I was talking into the microphone after the fight. My coach Mike Brown called me and said, 'Why do you ask for the bonus? When fighters ask about the bonus, they never get it.' Then Ali Abdelaziz called me and said, 'Brother, why do you say this?' Then I said, 'OK, this is my first and last time that I ask for some money.' Then, I didn't say anything and still didn't get it."
"... It's better than nothing. But after you know you can get $100,000, $25,000 sounds not so enough. But always Alhamdulillah. Even though I didn't get bonus, I got good money there."
Magomedov (30-7-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) didn't tap Rowston (15-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC). He choked "The Battle Giraffe" completely unconscious. As blood began to return to Rowston's brain after the stoppage, Magomedov flexed – a similar celebration to that of the one Nate Diaz hit Kurt Pellegrino with many moons ago.
#bonus
It was a near-perfect recipe. The first-round submission of Cameron Rowston was quick, decisive, and flashy. His flex celebration gave fans a moment to make viral, as did Magomedov's callout of contender Gregory Rodrigues. Perhaps the only thing missing was a Performance of the Night bonus.
"You know what happened last time after my last fight in Baku?" Magomedov told MMA Junkie on Thursday. "It was also a good performance. I was talking into the microphone after the fight. My coach Mike Brown called me and said, 'Why do you ask for the bonus? When fighters ask about the bonus, they never get it.' Then Ali Abdelaziz called me and said, 'Brother, why do you say this?' Then I said, 'OK, this is my first and last time that I ask for some money.' Then, I didn't say anything and still didn't get it."
"... It's better than nothing. But after you know you can get $100,000, $25,000 sounds not so enough. But always Alhamdulillah. Even though I didn't get bonus, I got good money there."
Magomedov (30-7-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) didn't tap Rowston (15-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC). He choked "The Battle Giraffe" completely unconscious. As blood began to return to Rowston's brain after the stoppage, Magomedov flexed – a similar celebration to that of the one Nate Diaz hit Kurt Pellegrino with many moons ago.
#bonus
2 months ago
Irish Open third-round leaderboard
-16 S Lowry (Ire); -12 J Skov Olesen (Den); -9 J Niemann (Chi); -7 D Rodrigues (Por), T McKibbin (NI)
Selected others: -6 P Reed (US), R Hojgaard (Den), A Sullivan (Eng); -4 A Fitzpatrick (Eng), R MacIntyre (Sco); -2 L Nolan (Ire); -1 J Rahm (Spa); +2 R McIlroy (NI)
Shane Lowry produced an inspired display on the greens to take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Irish Open and close in on his first individual win since 2022.
The Irishman started the third round three shots clear after shooting a scintillating course-record 62 on Friday at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare.
#round #irish #lowry #olesen
-16 S Lowry (Ire); -12 J Skov Olesen (Den); -9 J Niemann (Chi); -7 D Rodrigues (Por), T McKibbin (NI)
Selected others: -6 P Reed (US), R Hojgaard (Den), A Sullivan (Eng); -4 A Fitzpatrick (Eng), R MacIntyre (Sco); -2 L Nolan (Ire); -1 J Rahm (Spa); +2 R McIlroy (NI)
Shane Lowry produced an inspired display on the greens to take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Irish Open and close in on his first individual win since 2022.
The Irishman started the third round three shots clear after shooting a scintillating course-record 62 on Friday at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare.
#round #irish #lowry #olesen
2 months ago
Botafogo drew 0-0 with Palmeiras at Nilton Santos Stadium in a match valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship this Sunday (06). Alvinegro returns to the field next Saturday (12) against RB Bragantino at Nilton Santos for the 27th round of the Brasileirão.
MATCH REPORT:
Date and Time: 09/06/2026 (Sunday), at 6:30 PM Location: Nilton Santos
Referee: Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE) **** istant 1: Francisco Chaves Bezerra Junior (PE) **** istant 2: Karla Renata Cavalcanti de Santana (PE) 4th official: Fabio Augusto Santos Sá Junior (SE) VAR: Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior (PE)
GOALS: -
#junior #round
MATCH REPORT:
Date and Time: 09/06/2026 (Sunday), at 6:30 PM Location: Nilton Santos
Referee: Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE) **** istant 1: Francisco Chaves Bezerra Junior (PE) **** istant 2: Karla Renata Cavalcanti de Santana (PE) 4th official: Fabio Augusto Santos Sá Junior (SE) VAR: Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior (PE)
GOALS: -
#junior #round
2 months ago
Cruzeiro and Athletico have announced their lineups for this Sunday's (6) clash at 4pm at Mineirão, in the 26th round of the Brasileirão.
Globo (for PR and MG) and Premiere will broadcast the match. And you can follow the main live updates in the card below:
The teams are battling near the top of the table. Cruzeiro are sixth with 39 points, while Athletico are third with 45.
Centre-back Jonathan Jesus is the latest name on the injury list. Bruno Rodrigues, Gabriel Pec and Sinisterra are still recovering.
On the other hand, centre-back Fabrício Bruno returns after serving a suspension in the last Brasileirão match against Vasco.
#athletico #centre
Globo (for PR and MG) and Premiere will broadcast the match. And you can follow the main live updates in the card below:
The teams are battling near the top of the table. Cruzeiro are sixth with 39 points, while Athletico are third with 45.
Centre-back Jonathan Jesus is the latest name on the injury list. Bruno Rodrigues, Gabriel Pec and Sinisterra are still recovering.
On the other hand, centre-back Fabrício Bruno returns after serving a suspension in the last Brasileirão match against Vasco.
#athletico #centre
2 months ago
MUMBAI: Former India captain Diana Edulji feels it's time to appoint vice-captain and superstar batter Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian women's team "in all three formats of the game."
Mandhana became the leading run-getter in women's internationals, en route to her hundred (124) in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday against Hong Kong in Dubai. She broke former Indian women's captain Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs. Mandhana also broke the record for most centuries (18) in international cricket, the most by any batter in the women's game, surpassing Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 apiece. Mandhana has two hundreds in T20Is, two in Tests and 14 in ODIs. The elegant left-hander has 93 fifty-plus scores across formats in international cricket, the joint-most by any batter, alongside Raj.
It was also Mandhana's second T20I hundred, thus making the 30-year-old the first Indian woman to score multiple centuries in the shortest format of the game.
"I congratulate Smriti Mandhana on becoming the leading run-getter in women's internationals. I feel that it's high time that the national women's selection committee, led by Amita Sharma, appoints Smriti as the new captain in all three formats of the game. Harmanpreet Kaur can continue to play as a senior player in the side," Edulji said while talking to TOI.
Explaining the reasoning behind seeking a transition in captaincy, Edulji said, "All I'm saying is that Harman is already in her late 30s (37). When would you want her to give up the captaincy and give it to Smriti, who has just entered her 30s (30). I don't want Harman to be dropped from the Indian team. I've no ill-feeling towards her. She's still a great player, but I think Harman should be relieved of the captaincy pressure, and left to just concentrate on her batting, because runs aren't coming off her bat. Harman's form is crucial for our team to win more championships. This move will increase her time span in the India XI. It's very important that someone scores runs in the middle order, because we can't keep depending on our openers all the time. So, I think that this is the right time for Smriti to take over the India captaincy. Her confidence and skill level are high right now. And let Smriti take it forward from here, so that she has a long run (as a captain) then. At least give her white-ball captaincy for now, and maybe Harman can continue as a Test captain."
"After a few years, Smriti will be in her late 30s; then what do we do? Whom do we train after that (for India captaincy)? Right now, we can have Jemimah (Rodrigues) or Shafali (Varma) as the vice-captain, and train them (for the bigger responsibility)," Edulji said.
"Well deserved, Smriti! I've watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I'm genuinely proud of. Here's to many more runs and milestone
Mandhana became the leading run-getter in women's internationals, en route to her hundred (124) in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday against Hong Kong in Dubai. She broke former Indian women's captain Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs. Mandhana also broke the record for most centuries (18) in international cricket, the most by any batter in the women's game, surpassing Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 apiece. Mandhana has two hundreds in T20Is, two in Tests and 14 in ODIs. The elegant left-hander has 93 fifty-plus scores across formats in international cricket, the joint-most by any batter, alongside Raj.
It was also Mandhana's second T20I hundred, thus making the 30-year-old the first Indian woman to score multiple centuries in the shortest format of the game.
"I congratulate Smriti Mandhana on becoming the leading run-getter in women's internationals. I feel that it's high time that the national women's selection committee, led by Amita Sharma, appoints Smriti as the new captain in all three formats of the game. Harmanpreet Kaur can continue to play as a senior player in the side," Edulji said while talking to TOI.
Explaining the reasoning behind seeking a transition in captaincy, Edulji said, "All I'm saying is that Harman is already in her late 30s (37). When would you want her to give up the captaincy and give it to Smriti, who has just entered her 30s (30). I don't want Harman to be dropped from the Indian team. I've no ill-feeling towards her. She's still a great player, but I think Harman should be relieved of the captaincy pressure, and left to just concentrate on her batting, because runs aren't coming off her bat. Harman's form is crucial for our team to win more championships. This move will increase her time span in the India XI. It's very important that someone scores runs in the middle order, because we can't keep depending on our openers all the time. So, I think that this is the right time for Smriti to take over the India captaincy. Her confidence and skill level are high right now. And let Smriti take it forward from here, so that she has a long run (as a captain) then. At least give her white-ball captaincy for now, and maybe Harman can continue as a Test captain."
"After a few years, Smriti will be in her late 30s; then what do we do? Whom do we train after that (for India captaincy)? Right now, we can have Jemimah (Rodrigues) or Shafali (Varma) as the vice-captain, and train them (for the bigger responsibility)," Edulji said.
"Well deserved, Smriti! I've watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I'm genuinely proud of. Here's to many more runs and milestone
2 months ago
The fourth week of Dana White's Contender Series' tenth season took place on Tuesday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The five-bout fight card featured four finishes and resulted in five UFC contract offers.
Adam Darby, Modestino Rodrigues, Silvestre Sanchez, Gabriel Lorenço and Adam Livingston were awarded UFC contracts following their wins. Check out highlights from the event.
#series #apex
Adam Darby, Modestino Rodrigues, Silvestre Sanchez, Gabriel Lorenço and Adam Livingston were awarded UFC contracts following their wins. Check out highlights from the event.
#series #apex
2 months ago
It's that time again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 7 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Sept. 1, 2026) on Paramount+.
In the main event, Welterweights collide as Patrick Rivera (13-4) fights Adam Darby (7-1). The co-main event sees a returning Middleweight as Brandon Holmes (6-1) takes on Modestino Rodrigues (7-1). In the "Featured" bout, Liam McCracken (8-1) tries to get a UFC contract just three years after getting hit by a bus as he takes on Silvestre Sanchez (9-1). Heavyweights hook 'em up as Charlie Cleveland (6-1) fights Gabriel Lorenco (7-1). Finally, Adam Livingston (7-1) gets a second shot at a UFC contract against Hunter Smith (6-1).
Patrick Rivera vs. Adam Darby —
Brandon Holmes vs. Modestino Rodrigues –
Liam McCraken vs. Silvestre Sanchez —
Charlie Cleveland vs. Gabriel Lorenco — Lorenco def. Cleveland via knockout (punches) Round 1, 2:02
Adam Livingston vs. Hunter Smith — Livingston def. Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
#adam #lorenco #smith #patrick
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 7 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Sept. 1, 2026) on Paramount+.
In the main event, Welterweights collide as Patrick Rivera (13-4) fights Adam Darby (7-1). The co-main event sees a returning Middleweight as Brandon Holmes (6-1) takes on Modestino Rodrigues (7-1). In the "Featured" bout, Liam McCracken (8-1) tries to get a UFC contract just three years after getting hit by a bus as he takes on Silvestre Sanchez (9-1). Heavyweights hook 'em up as Charlie Cleveland (6-1) fights Gabriel Lorenco (7-1). Finally, Adam Livingston (7-1) gets a second shot at a UFC contract against Hunter Smith (6-1).
Patrick Rivera vs. Adam Darby —
Brandon Holmes vs. Modestino Rodrigues –
Liam McCraken vs. Silvestre Sanchez —
Charlie Cleveland vs. Gabriel Lorenco — Lorenco def. Cleveland via knockout (punches) Round 1, 2:02
Adam Livingston vs. Hunter Smith — Livingston def. Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
#adam #lorenco #smith #patrick
2 months ago
MMA Fighting has DWCS results for the Rivera vs. Darby fight card and more from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nev., on Tuesday night.
In the main event, Patrick Rivera and Adam Darby clash in a welterweight contest. Rivera and Darby have each reeled off six straight victories heading into the headliner.
Brandon Holmes and Modestino Rodrigues meet in a middleweight fight in the co-main event.
Check out DWCS results below.
Main card (Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET)
#darby #main #meta
In the main event, Patrick Rivera and Adam Darby clash in a welterweight contest. Rivera and Darby have each reeled off six straight victories heading into the headliner.
Brandon Holmes and Modestino Rodrigues meet in a middleweight fight in the co-main event.
Check out DWCS results below.
Main card (Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET)
#darby #main #meta
2 months ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS MORNING (Sat., Aug. 29, 2026) with UFC Shanghai, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. The main event is Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong in the Bantamweight division.
The UFC returns to China for the second time this year. In May they were in Macau. And this is also the second time they've been to Shanghai in as many years. Who can forget the massive upset Johnny Walker pulled off over The Mountain Tiger the last time they were here?
There's a home soil hero on this card, too. It's Song Yadong. But it will be an upset if he manages to pull off the win against the -600 Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov will be looking for a suffocating victory to get himself back in the **** le picture against fellow countryman Petr Yan.
The co-main event is Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes. Former **** le challenger Yan is climbing past her mid-thirties, but she will hope she has enough left in the tank to beat the rising Brazilian talent. Gomes will have revenge on her mind in this fight. Yan once knocked out Gomes' mentor Jessica Andrade.
Rounding out the main card is Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji, Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. and Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas. A number of those fights seem engineered to produce viral moments.
#Event #song #yadong
The UFC returns to China for the second time this year. In May they were in Macau. And this is also the second time they've been to Shanghai in as many years. Who can forget the massive upset Johnny Walker pulled off over The Mountain Tiger the last time they were here?
There's a home soil hero on this card, too. It's Song Yadong. But it will be an upset if he manages to pull off the win against the -600 Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov will be looking for a suffocating victory to get himself back in the **** le picture against fellow countryman Petr Yan.
The co-main event is Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes. Former **** le challenger Yan is climbing past her mid-thirties, but she will hope she has enough left in the tank to beat the rising Brazilian talent. Gomes will have revenge on her mind in this fight. Yan once knocked out Gomes' mentor Jessica Andrade.
Rounding out the main card is Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji, Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. and Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas. A number of those fights seem engineered to produce viral moments.
#Event #song #yadong
2 months ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS MORNING (Sat., Aug. 29, 2026) with UFC Shanghai, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. The main event is Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong in the Bantamweight division.
The UFC returns to China for the second time this year. In May they were in Macau. And this is also the second time they've been to Shanghai in as many years. Who can forget the massive upset Johnny Walker pulled off over The Mountain Tiger the last time they were here?
There's a home soil hero on this card, too. It's Song Yadong. But it will be an upset if he manages to pull off the win against the -600 Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov will be looking for a suffocating victory to get himself back in the ****** le picture against fellow countryman Petr Yan.
The co-main event is Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes. Former ****** le challenger Yan is climbing past her mid-thirties, but she will hope she has enough left in the tank to beat the rising Brazilian talent. Gomes will have revenge on her mind in this fight. Yan once knocked out Gomes' mentor Jessica Andrade.
Rounding out the main card is Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji, Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. and Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas. A number of those fights seem engineered to produce viral moments.
#nurmagomedov #gomes #Event #yadong
The UFC returns to China for the second time this year. In May they were in Macau. And this is also the second time they've been to Shanghai in as many years. Who can forget the massive upset Johnny Walker pulled off over The Mountain Tiger the last time they were here?
There's a home soil hero on this card, too. It's Song Yadong. But it will be an upset if he manages to pull off the win against the -600 Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov will be looking for a suffocating victory to get himself back in the ****** le picture against fellow countryman Petr Yan.
The co-main event is Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes. Former ****** le challenger Yan is climbing past her mid-thirties, but she will hope she has enough left in the tank to beat the rising Brazilian talent. Gomes will have revenge on her mind in this fight. Yan once knocked out Gomes' mentor Jessica Andrade.
Rounding out the main card is Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji, Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. and Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas. A number of those fights seem engineered to produce viral moments.
#nurmagomedov #gomes #Event #yadong
3 months ago
Liu Ce and Levi Rodrigues Jr. meet on the UFC Fight Night 286 main card on Saturday at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ******* yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 93-50-1
Ce (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is making his UFC debut, while Rodrigues (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will enter UFC Shanghai roughly two months removed from being finished in his UFC debut this past June.
Despite having a slew of lighter-weight action fights on the prelims, the UFC matchmakers still felt necessary to fulfill their fetish of force-feeding us lower-level big guys on Fight Night main cards.
#rodrigues #cards #debut #saturday
Last event's results: 4-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 93-50-1
Ce (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is making his UFC debut, while Rodrigues (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will enter UFC Shanghai roughly two months removed from being finished in his UFC debut this past June.
Despite having a slew of lighter-weight action fights on the prelims, the UFC matchmakers still felt necessary to fulfill their fetish of force-feeding us lower-level big guys on Fight Night main cards.
#rodrigues #cards #debut #saturday
3 months ago
Umar Nurmagomedov(135.5) vs. Yadong Song (136) Denise Gomes (115) vs.Xiaonan Yan (115.5) Kai Asakura (135.5) vs.Qileng Aori (135.5) Su Mudaerji (125) vs. AlexPerez (126) Ce Liu(206) vs. Levi Rodrigues (206) Bilal Hasan (124.5) vs.Nilson Rojas (124.5) NamsraiBatbayar (126) vs. Andre Lima (127: Missed Weight) Kevin Borjas (126) vs. ReiTsuruya (125) Jack Jenkins (145) vs.Sean Woodson (145) Long Xiao (135) vs.Francesco Nuzzi (136) Lawrence Lui (135.5)vs. Hector Santiago (135) Jingnan Xiong (117: Missed Weight) vs. Julia Polastri (118.5:Missed Weight) Meng Ding (170) vs. CameronNelson (170) Sherdog's live UFC Shanghai coverage will begin Saturday at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m.PT. The event is also known as UFC Fight Night 286.
#missed #umar #nurmagomedov #asakura
#missed #umar #nurmagomedov #asakura
3 months ago
Kamaru Usman thinks there are still plenty of matchups for Anthony Hernandez at middleweight after UFC Fight Night 285.
After winning eight fights in a row, Hernandez (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has now lost two straight to current UFC 185-pound champion Sean Strickland and Gregory Rodrigues, the latter of which came this past Saturday at Golden1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., in front of his home fans.
Henry Cejudo floated the idea of Hernandez dropping down to welterweight, but Usman says that's unnecessary.
"Welterweight? Why do people always do this thing?" Usman said on his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast with Henry Cejudo. "OK, just because someone loses, like, yeah, got to switch weight classes. No, there's a lot of guys there in that division for him to fight. … Looking at the rankings, there's so many guys in that division, (like) Israel Adesanya. Man, there's a lot of guys in that division for him to potentially fight. So it's not just, 'Oh yeah, he lost to him, he's gone.' We've got Caio Borralho, we've got Christian Leroy Duncan. You've got so many guys here."
Usman sees Hernandez as a perfect ticket to the top 10 for Bo Nickal (9-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), while also giving Hernandez the opportunity to kill a highly touted contender's hype.
#division
After winning eight fights in a row, Hernandez (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has now lost two straight to current UFC 185-pound champion Sean Strickland and Gregory Rodrigues, the latter of which came this past Saturday at Golden1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., in front of his home fans.
Henry Cejudo floated the idea of Hernandez dropping down to welterweight, but Usman says that's unnecessary.
"Welterweight? Why do people always do this thing?" Usman said on his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast with Henry Cejudo. "OK, just because someone loses, like, yeah, got to switch weight classes. No, there's a lot of guys there in that division for him to fight. … Looking at the rankings, there's so many guys in that division, (like) Israel Adesanya. Man, there's a lot of guys in that division for him to potentially fight. So it's not just, 'Oh yeah, he lost to him, he's gone.' We've got Caio Borralho, we've got Christian Leroy Duncan. You've got so many guys here."
Usman sees Hernandez as a perfect ticket to the top 10 for Bo Nickal (9-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), while also giving Hernandez the opportunity to kill a highly touted contender's hype.
#division
3 months ago
India have won seven of the nine Women's Asia Cup editions played so far, across ODI and T20I formats, making them the most successful team in the history of the tournament.
Given the historic dominance of the Indian team in the tournament, former India cricketer and ex-women's team coach WV Raman believes anything less than a **** le in the upcoming 2026 Women's Asia Cup would be a "major disappointment" for Harmanpreet Kaur's team.
"Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be tough competition for India, and let's not also discount Thailand, because they've shown a lot of enthusiasm, they've shown they've got some real good talent there, and you cannot take them lightly, too. As far as the Indian team is concerned, I think anything less than a victory will be seen as a major disappointment," Raman said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, organised by Sony Sports Network.
India lost the 2024 Women's Asia Cup final to Chamari Athapaththu's Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Dambulla, and Raman said "India can regain the Asia Cup" in Dubai.
However, the road ahead is not as smooth for India as it seems. India have been missing two of their pace-bowling all-rounders, Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam, for over five months, and just before the Asia Cup they faced another setback as Jemimah Rodrigues was also ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Pratika Rawal has received her maiden India T20I call-up as Jemimah was ruled out of the tournament, and is expected to walk straight into the playing XI when India face Thailand on Sunday. However, the bigger question is where the right-handed batter fits into India's batting order.
"Pratika Rawal has done extremely well in Test cricket. She's done well in ODIs, but in T20s, we haven't seen much of her so far. And also the other thing that they need to work out is her slot in the batting order. So where does she bat is something they've got to try and work out," former women's team coach Raman said.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will most likely not be separated as an opening pair, and Bharti Fulmali and Richa Ghosh could play the role of lower-order enforcers. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur bats at four when Jemimah plays at three in T20Is; however, Raman argued that Kaur should instead bat at three in the Asia Cup.
"I doubt if they will have Pratika Rawal at number three. I would rather imagine that Harmanpreet Kaur herself might bat at number three because she needs to spend a lot of time there at the crease, have more overs at her disposal to try and pace the innings," WV Raman said in an interview with TimesofIndia.com, adding, "Will India play Pratika at number four is something that will be a big question. As I see it, they need to obviously find ways and methods to use the 20 overs allotted to them in the most productive manner possible. So it's up to them to try and see."
Fulmali ended her seven-year exile from international cricket earlier this year when she was picked
Given the historic dominance of the Indian team in the tournament, former India cricketer and ex-women's team coach WV Raman believes anything less than a **** le in the upcoming 2026 Women's Asia Cup would be a "major disappointment" for Harmanpreet Kaur's team.
"Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be tough competition for India, and let's not also discount Thailand, because they've shown a lot of enthusiasm, they've shown they've got some real good talent there, and you cannot take them lightly, too. As far as the Indian team is concerned, I think anything less than a victory will be seen as a major disappointment," Raman said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, organised by Sony Sports Network.
India lost the 2024 Women's Asia Cup final to Chamari Athapaththu's Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Dambulla, and Raman said "India can regain the Asia Cup" in Dubai.
However, the road ahead is not as smooth for India as it seems. India have been missing two of their pace-bowling all-rounders, Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam, for over five months, and just before the Asia Cup they faced another setback as Jemimah Rodrigues was also ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Pratika Rawal has received her maiden India T20I call-up as Jemimah was ruled out of the tournament, and is expected to walk straight into the playing XI when India face Thailand on Sunday. However, the bigger question is where the right-handed batter fits into India's batting order.
"Pratika Rawal has done extremely well in Test cricket. She's done well in ODIs, but in T20s, we haven't seen much of her so far. And also the other thing that they need to work out is her slot in the batting order. So where does she bat is something they've got to try and work out," former women's team coach Raman said.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will most likely not be separated as an opening pair, and Bharti Fulmali and Richa Ghosh could play the role of lower-order enforcers. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur bats at four when Jemimah plays at three in T20Is; however, Raman argued that Kaur should instead bat at three in the Asia Cup.
"I doubt if they will have Pratika Rawal at number three. I would rather imagine that Harmanpreet Kaur herself might bat at number three because she needs to spend a lot of time there at the crease, have more overs at her disposal to try and pace the innings," WV Raman said in an interview with TimesofIndia.com, adding, "Will India play Pratika at number four is something that will be a big question. As I see it, they need to obviously find ways and methods to use the 20 overs allotted to them in the most productive manner possible. So it's up to them to try and see."
Fulmali ended her seven-year exile from international cricket earlier this year when she was picked
3 months ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is just over 24 hours away from its upcoming UFC Shanghai mixed martial arts (MMA) event, headlined by the 135-pound showdown between former bantamweight **** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov and contender Song Yadong. The action gets underway this Sat. (Aug. 29, 2026) on Paramount+ from inside Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai, China, and also features a strawweight co-headliner between 115-pound **** le hopefuls Yan Xiaonan and Denise Gomes.
Before the Paramount+ live stream gets underway this weekend in Shanghai, which includes the all-action bantamweight contest pitting Kai Asakura against Aori Qileng, all 26 fighters must hit the scale to prove themselves worthy. Note: the promotion (serving as its own athletic commission) affords a one-pound allowance in non-title fights. The first fighter is expected to tip the scale at 9 p.m. ET, with updated text results to follow below shortly thereafter.
UFC Shanghai Main Card on Paramount+:
135 lbs.: Umar Nurmagomedov () vs. Yadong Song ()
115 lbs.: Xiaonan Yan () vs. Denise Gomes ()
135 lbs.: Aoriqileng () vs. Kai Asakura ()
125 lbs.: Alex Perez () vs. Sumudaerji ()
205 lbs.: Levi Rodrigues Jr. () vs. Ce Liu ()
125 lbs.: Bilal Hasan () vs. Nilson Rojas ()
UFC Shanghai Prelims Card on Paramount+:
#song #xiaonan
Before the Paramount+ live stream gets underway this weekend in Shanghai, which includes the all-action bantamweight contest pitting Kai Asakura against Aori Qileng, all 26 fighters must hit the scale to prove themselves worthy. Note: the promotion (serving as its own athletic commission) affords a one-pound allowance in non-title fights. The first fighter is expected to tip the scale at 9 p.m. ET, with updated text results to follow below shortly thereafter.
UFC Shanghai Main Card on Paramount+:
135 lbs.: Umar Nurmagomedov () vs. Yadong Song ()
115 lbs.: Xiaonan Yan () vs. Denise Gomes ()
135 lbs.: Aoriqileng () vs. Kai Asakura ()
125 lbs.: Alex Perez () vs. Sumudaerji ()
205 lbs.: Levi Rodrigues Jr. () vs. Ce Liu ()
125 lbs.: Bilal Hasan () vs. Nilson Rojas ()
UFC Shanghai Prelims Card on Paramount+:
#song #xiaonan
3 months ago
India will be aiming to reclaim their Women's Asia Cup ***** le when the 2026 edition kicks off in the UAE on August 28. The tournament is played in the T20I format.
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a 15-player squad, with Smriti Mandhana being her vice-captain, as India seek an eighth ***** le in the continental event.
India are the most successful team in the Women's Asia Cup, winning seven out of the nine editions played so far. Defending champions Sri Lanka beat India in the final of the 2024 edition, with the 2026 edition featuring eight teams in two groups each.
This will come after a very productive year for the Indian Women's T20I side, which played at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup and in a T20I series against England. Their first game in the Asia Cup 2026 will be against Thailand on August 30.
Jemimah Rodrigues will be the key absentee, having been ruled out with a high-grade hamstring tear. Pratika Rawal has been selected as her replacement for the UAE tournament.
#edition #played #august #title
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a 15-player squad, with Smriti Mandhana being her vice-captain, as India seek an eighth ***** le in the continental event.
India are the most successful team in the Women's Asia Cup, winning seven out of the nine editions played so far. Defending champions Sri Lanka beat India in the final of the 2024 edition, with the 2026 edition featuring eight teams in two groups each.
This will come after a very productive year for the Indian Women's T20I side, which played at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup and in a T20I series against England. Their first game in the Asia Cup 2026 will be against Thailand on August 30.
Jemimah Rodrigues will be the key absentee, having been ruled out with a high-grade hamstring tear. Pratika Rawal has been selected as her replacement for the UAE tournament.
#edition #played #august #title
3 months ago
"Robocop" has entered the top 5.
At UFC Fight Night 285, Gregory Rodrigues beat Anthony Hernandez in the main event in Sacramento, Calif. Coming into the week at No. 8, Rodrigues takes Hernandez's previous spot, landing at No. 5 in the middleweight division.
At PFL Tampa, the living legend Cris Cyborg picked up a PFL women's featherweight **** le defense against fellow UFC veteran Ketlen Vieira. Cyborg holds the No. 3 spot in the women's pound-for-pound rankings, and maintains her position.
Check out all of the moves in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Aug. 25: Gregory Rodrigues enters top 5
#junkie #pound #robocop
At UFC Fight Night 285, Gregory Rodrigues beat Anthony Hernandez in the main event in Sacramento, Calif. Coming into the week at No. 8, Rodrigues takes Hernandez's previous spot, landing at No. 5 in the middleweight division.
At PFL Tampa, the living legend Cris Cyborg picked up a PFL women's featherweight **** le defense against fellow UFC veteran Ketlen Vieira. Cyborg holds the No. 3 spot in the women's pound-for-pound rankings, and maintains her position.
Check out all of the moves in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Aug. 25: Gregory Rodrigues enters top 5
#junkie #pound #robocop
3 months ago
It only took Reinier de Ridder one victory over an unranked fighter to debut in the Top 10 at 205 pounds.
The former middleweight contender jumped to the light heavyweight division at UFC Sacramento last weekend in California, where he summarily disposed of longtime veteran Roman Dolidze. The 35-year-old "Dutch Knight" (22-4) landed at No. 9 in the official Meta Rankings, sandwiched between Dominick Reyes (No. 8) and Azamat Murzakanov (No. 10).
That's not all.
Jamall Emmers made his debut in the featherweight rankings by hospitalizing red-hot 145-pound prospect Lerryan Douglas with a broken orbital. In addition, "Crispy" Carli Judice joined the women's flyweight Top 15 after stopping Jeisla Chaves in the opening frame. Victorious main card players Gregory Rodrigues and Vitor Petrino also made big moves in their respective divisions.
Check out the updated UFC Meta Rankings below (for an explanation on how they work click here).
#debut
The former middleweight contender jumped to the light heavyweight division at UFC Sacramento last weekend in California, where he summarily disposed of longtime veteran Roman Dolidze. The 35-year-old "Dutch Knight" (22-4) landed at No. 9 in the official Meta Rankings, sandwiched between Dominick Reyes (No. 8) and Azamat Murzakanov (No. 10).
That's not all.
Jamall Emmers made his debut in the featherweight rankings by hospitalizing red-hot 145-pound prospect Lerryan Douglas with a broken orbital. In addition, "Crispy" Carli Judice joined the women's flyweight Top 15 after stopping Jeisla Chaves in the opening frame. Victorious main card players Gregory Rodrigues and Vitor Petrino also made big moves in their respective divisions.
Check out the updated UFC Meta Rankings below (for an explanation on how they work click here).
#debut
3 months ago
Hello everyone, and welcome back for another week of rankings in the UFC. This weekend was another great card for the UFC as we saw Gregory Rodrigues take apart Anthony Hernandez in the main event. This went with the rest of the card, where we saw some other favorites lose as well.
Next up is UFC Fight Night 286 in Shanghai, China, which features Umar Nurmagomedov versus Yadong Song for the main event. With this card stacked better than last week's fight card, let's all get ready to enjoy another weekend of fights.
That being said, let's get to this week's rankings and see who made it. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
MORE: Former NY Jets linebacker making UFC debut in Sacramento
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Joshua Van (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Tatsuro Taira (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
#weekend #main #fights
Next up is UFC Fight Night 286 in Shanghai, China, which features Umar Nurmagomedov versus Yadong Song for the main event. With this card stacked better than last week's fight card, let's all get ready to enjoy another weekend of fights.
That being said, let's get to this week's rankings and see who made it. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
MORE: Former NY Jets linebacker making UFC debut in Sacramento
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Joshua Van (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Tatsuro Taira (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
#weekend #main #fights
3 months ago
The UFC Sacramento fight night weights have been revealed by the California State Athletic Commission following the event.
UFC Sacramento took place on Saturday, August 22, at Golden 1 Center in California's state capital. The event was sanctioned by the CSAC.
In addition to revealing what the fighter payouts were to all 26 athletes on the card, the CSAC also revealed the fight night weights of all the fighters who competed, meaning the weight they actually fought at on the night of the fight, not what they weighed in the day before at the official UFC Sacramento weigh-ins.
Here is the full list of the UFC Sacramento fight night weights, via MMAFighting.com.
Gregory Rodrigues: 185 to 204.4 (19.4 pounds), 10%
#night #state #revealed
UFC Sacramento took place on Saturday, August 22, at Golden 1 Center in California's state capital. The event was sanctioned by the CSAC.
In addition to revealing what the fighter payouts were to all 26 athletes on the card, the CSAC also revealed the fight night weights of all the fighters who competed, meaning the weight they actually fought at on the night of the fight, not what they weighed in the day before at the official UFC Sacramento weigh-ins.
Here is the full list of the UFC Sacramento fight night weights, via MMAFighting.com.
Gregory Rodrigues: 185 to 204.4 (19.4 pounds), 10%
#night #state #revealed
3 months ago
Middleweight contender Gregory Rodrigues moved up the 185-pound pecking order last Saturday with a unanimous win over No. 7 ranked Antony Hernandez in the UFC Sacramento main event.
Rodrigues entered the fight ranked No. 10 and riding a three-fight winning streak. He utilized leg kicks to take control of the fight in the early rounds. Hernandez mounted a comeback but came up short. During the post-fight press conference, Hernandez accused Rodrigues of cheating.
"The f**ker was cheating and grabbing inside of my gloves. And I told Herb (Dean) that. I fight clean, man. So, it is what it is. Maybe I should be more dirty," Hernandez said. "I told f**king Herb, 'this motherf**ker grabbed my glove like four times, and I was like, 'Hey, he's grabbing my gloves.' And he told him, 'Hey, stop.' But I mean, whatever, don't take a point, whatever. You know what I mean? F**k it. I guess people like to cheat, so it is what it is."
On Monday, Rodrigues responded to Hernandez' allegations during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.
"He can say whatever he wants. You know? The fact is I beat him with the leg kicks, the punches. He didn't take me down. He didn't do nothing. He did put a pressure that was good, but I didn't cheat him. He knows that," Rodrigues said.
#fight #take #told #like
Rodrigues entered the fight ranked No. 10 and riding a three-fight winning streak. He utilized leg kicks to take control of the fight in the early rounds. Hernandez mounted a comeback but came up short. During the post-fight press conference, Hernandez accused Rodrigues of cheating.
"The f**ker was cheating and grabbing inside of my gloves. And I told Herb (Dean) that. I fight clean, man. So, it is what it is. Maybe I should be more dirty," Hernandez said. "I told f**king Herb, 'this motherf**ker grabbed my glove like four times, and I was like, 'Hey, he's grabbing my gloves.' And he told him, 'Hey, stop.' But I mean, whatever, don't take a point, whatever. You know what I mean? F**k it. I guess people like to cheat, so it is what it is."
On Monday, Rodrigues responded to Hernandez' allegations during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.
"He can say whatever he wants. You know? The fact is I beat him with the leg kicks, the punches. He didn't take me down. He didn't do nothing. He did put a pressure that was good, but I didn't cheat him. He knows that," Rodrigues said.
#fight #take #told #like
3 months ago
Anthony Hernandez tips his cap to Gregory Rodrigues and his toughness in the UFC Fight Night 285 main event Saturday – but there's one thing he didn't appreciate.
For five rounds, Hernandez (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) and Rodrigues (20-6 MMA, 11-3 UFC) battled back-and-forth. Though he lost a unanimous decision, Hernandez displayed heart and unbreakable will in front of his home city fans at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. The pair of middleweight contenders also earned Fight of the Night honors and the $100,000 bonus ***** ociated with it.
"A dream come true," Hernandez said at a post-fight news conference. "Obviously, I've got to get back to work and clean some ***** up. Next time I'll give you guys a win. I promise. ... (The crowd support) was f*cking ... a blessing. It was crazy. That's what kept me going. I couldn't give up. That sh*t hurt like a f*cking b*tch, man. It still hurts. It was a real f*cking blessing. I feel so honored to have that much love. Hopefully they come back to Sac so I can show out again. I'd love to give you guys more wars like that."
Hernandez became hobbled early as Rodriguez repeatedly chopped down his legs, causing him to shift from orthodox to southpaw. Hernandez rallied in Round 2 and nearly finished the fight, but "Robocop" hung tough.
One issue Hernandez took with Rodrigues was his grip around the glove area. According to Hernandez, Rodrigues had his fingers inside the glove – and he told referee Herb Dean as much mid-fight.
#fight
For five rounds, Hernandez (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) and Rodrigues (20-6 MMA, 11-3 UFC) battled back-and-forth. Though he lost a unanimous decision, Hernandez displayed heart and unbreakable will in front of his home city fans at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. The pair of middleweight contenders also earned Fight of the Night honors and the $100,000 bonus ***** ociated with it.
"A dream come true," Hernandez said at a post-fight news conference. "Obviously, I've got to get back to work and clean some ***** up. Next time I'll give you guys a win. I promise. ... (The crowd support) was f*cking ... a blessing. It was crazy. That's what kept me going. I couldn't give up. That sh*t hurt like a f*cking b*tch, man. It still hurts. It was a real f*cking blessing. I feel so honored to have that much love. Hopefully they come back to Sac so I can show out again. I'd love to give you guys more wars like that."
Hernandez became hobbled early as Rodriguez repeatedly chopped down his legs, causing him to shift from orthodox to southpaw. Hernandez rallied in Round 2 and nearly finished the fight, but "Robocop" hung tough.
One issue Hernandez took with Rodrigues was his grip around the glove area. According to Hernandez, Rodrigues had his fingers inside the glove – and he told referee Herb Dean as much mid-fight.
#fight
3 months ago
They both left the arena worse for the wear, but an extra $100,000 richer – which maybe helped them smile through the pain.
Gregory Rodrigues (20-6 MMA, 11-3 UFC) upset home headliner Anthony Hernandez (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in the UFC Fight Night 285 main event Saturday at Golden1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. Rodrigues mostly dominated Hernandez, save for the third round, and took a unanimous decision in which the stats were outsized in his favor.
Afterward, the fighters met backstage – with Hernandez tending to a shoulder with a big bag of ice, and Rodrigues already hobbling on crutches. He threw dozens of kicks in the fight.
Check out what the Fight of the Night bonus winners had to say to each other in the moments after they left the cage in the video below.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Rodrigues, Hernandez have banged-up backstage meeting after UFC Sacramento
#left #gregory #anthony
Gregory Rodrigues (20-6 MMA, 11-3 UFC) upset home headliner Anthony Hernandez (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in the UFC Fight Night 285 main event Saturday at Golden1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. Rodrigues mostly dominated Hernandez, save for the third round, and took a unanimous decision in which the stats were outsized in his favor.
Afterward, the fighters met backstage – with Hernandez tending to a shoulder with a big bag of ice, and Rodrigues already hobbling on crutches. He threw dozens of kicks in the fight.
Check out what the Fight of the Night bonus winners had to say to each other in the moments after they left the cage in the video below.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Rodrigues, Hernandez have banged-up backstage meeting after UFC Sacramento
#left #gregory #anthony
3 months ago
UFC middleweight Anthony Hernandez criticized referee Herb Dean for not taking a point away from Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Sacramento.
Hernandez fought Rodrigues in the main event of UFC Sacramento, ultimately coming up short on the judges' scorecards when the Brazilian won a unanimous decision in an incredible matchup that won Fight of the Night.
After the card was over, Hernandez spoke to the media and expressed frustration with the referee for not taking a point away from Rodrigues for grabbing his gloves.
Speaking to the media at the UFC Sacramento post-fight press conference, Hernandez became just the latest in a long line of UFC fighters to criticize Dean.
"I told (expletive) Herb, 'This (expletive) grabbed my glove like four times.' And I was like, 'Hey, he's grabbing my gloves.' And he told him, 'Hey, stop.' But I mean, whatever, don't take a point. Whatever. (Expletive) it. I guess people like to cheat, so it is what it is," Hernandez said.
#hernandez #rodrigues #point
Hernandez fought Rodrigues in the main event of UFC Sacramento, ultimately coming up short on the judges' scorecards when the Brazilian won a unanimous decision in an incredible matchup that won Fight of the Night.
After the card was over, Hernandez spoke to the media and expressed frustration with the referee for not taking a point away from Rodrigues for grabbing his gloves.
Speaking to the media at the UFC Sacramento post-fight press conference, Hernandez became just the latest in a long line of UFC fighters to criticize Dean.
"I told (expletive) Herb, 'This (expletive) grabbed my glove like four times.' And I was like, 'Hey, he's grabbing my gloves.' And he told him, 'Hey, stop.' But I mean, whatever, don't take a point. Whatever. (Expletive) it. I guess people like to cheat, so it is what it is," Hernandez said.
#hernandez #rodrigues #point
3 months ago
Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Rodrigues event at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., UFC CEO Dana White announced the recipients of the performance-bases bonuses.
Fight of the Night honors went to the main event. No. 7 ranked middleweight Anthony Hernandez and No. 10 ranked Gregory Rodrigues headlined the fight card and did not disappoint. Rodrigues won via unanimous decision but the match will likely be a Fight of the Year candidate. The back and forth war earned each an extra $100,000.
Banking the other two Performance of the Night awards were lightweight MarQuel Mederos and women's flyweight Carli Judice.
Mederos stopped Mason Jones in the second round via TKO due to elbows and punches. Judice scored a first-round finish over Jeisla Chaves in main card action. A front kick to the body set up fight-ending punches.
UFC Sacramento featured 13 bouts. 10 of them resulted in stoppages. The six other fighters that stopped their opponents received $25,000 finishing bonuses. 16,867 spectators were in attendance at Golden 1 Center generating $3.3 million is gate receipts.
#fight #night #hernandez #center
Fight of the Night honors went to the main event. No. 7 ranked middleweight Anthony Hernandez and No. 10 ranked Gregory Rodrigues headlined the fight card and did not disappoint. Rodrigues won via unanimous decision but the match will likely be a Fight of the Year candidate. The back and forth war earned each an extra $100,000.
Banking the other two Performance of the Night awards were lightweight MarQuel Mederos and women's flyweight Carli Judice.
Mederos stopped Mason Jones in the second round via TKO due to elbows and punches. Judice scored a first-round finish over Jeisla Chaves in main card action. A front kick to the body set up fight-ending punches.
UFC Sacramento featured 13 bouts. 10 of them resulted in stoppages. The six other fighters that stopped their opponents received $25,000 finishing bonuses. 16,867 spectators were in attendance at Golden 1 Center generating $3.3 million is gate receipts.
#fight #night #hernandez #center
3 months ago
Gregory Rodrigues is a legitimate contender at 185 pounds.
On Saturday night, "Robocop" picked up the biggest win of his career, outlasting Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Sacramento to win a unanimous decision. The win should vault Rodrigues up the middleweight rankings and put him fully in the ***** le mix at 185 pounds. Meanwhile, "Fluffy" has now lost two in a row, and his future at middleweight seems uncertain.
Following UFC Sacramento, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee discuss Robocop's big win and what it means for the 185-pound division. They also break down some of the other big storylines from the card — including Reinier de Ridder's successful UFC light heavyweight debut and Carli Judice's emergence at flyweight — wax poetic on Cris Cyborg's scare in PFL, answer viewer questions, and more.
Watch the UFC Sacramento post-fight show above, or stream an audio-only version below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.
View Link
#hernandez
On Saturday night, "Robocop" picked up the biggest win of his career, outlasting Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Sacramento to win a unanimous decision. The win should vault Rodrigues up the middleweight rankings and put him fully in the ***** le mix at 185 pounds. Meanwhile, "Fluffy" has now lost two in a row, and his future at middleweight seems uncertain.
Following UFC Sacramento, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee discuss Robocop's big win and what it means for the 185-pound division. They also break down some of the other big storylines from the card — including Reinier de Ridder's successful UFC light heavyweight debut and Carli Judice's emergence at flyweight — wax poetic on Cris Cyborg's scare in PFL, answer viewer questions, and more.
Watch the UFC Sacramento post-fight show above, or stream an audio-only version below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.
View Link
#hernandez
3 months ago
Gregory Rodrigues got the biggest win of his career at UFC Sacramento and that came as the highest paid fighter on the card as well.
On Saturday, the California State Athletic Commission released the salaries to MMA Fighting with Rodrigues leading the way with a $340,000 payday after earning $170,000 to show and another $170,000 for his win bonus.
As for his main event opponent, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, he took home $170,000, and would have earned another $170,000 as his win bonus. Unfortunately, Hernandez came up short, dropping his second fight in a row overall.
In the co-main event, Serghei Spivac took home $125,000 in show money while his opponent Vitor Petrino was paid $100,000 in show money with another $100,000 as a win bonus for the fight to put him at $200,000 for the victory.
These purses represent the disclosed salaries provided to the commission. They do not reflect any extra bonuses paid to the fighters by the UFC.
#show
On Saturday, the California State Athletic Commission released the salaries to MMA Fighting with Rodrigues leading the way with a $340,000 payday after earning $170,000 to show and another $170,000 for his win bonus.
As for his main event opponent, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, he took home $170,000, and would have earned another $170,000 as his win bonus. Unfortunately, Hernandez came up short, dropping his second fight in a row overall.
In the co-main event, Serghei Spivac took home $125,000 in show money while his opponent Vitor Petrino was paid $100,000 in show money with another $100,000 as a win bonus for the fight to put him at $200,000 for the victory.
These purses represent the disclosed salaries provided to the commission. They do not reflect any extra bonuses paid to the fighters by the UFC.
#show
3 months ago
Fans attending the latest Ultimate Fighting Championship event at Golden 1 Center inSacramento, California, were treated to an action-packed card.
The UFC Sacramento headliner featured a middleweight clash betweenAnthonyHernandez and GregoryRodrigues. The two delivered an entertaining fight, butRodrigues ultimately had his hand raised. In the co-main event,VitorPetrino defeated SergheiSpivac in a heavyweight bout. Although the co-feature did notlive up to expectations, the event produced 10 finishes in 13fights.
Let's examine what could be next for the main-card winners.
Thanks to sharper striking and punishing leg kicks, Rodrigues(20-6, 11-3 UFC) outstruck fellow former Legacy Fighting Alliance ****** leholder Hernandez (15-4, 1 NC; 9-4UFC) in the UFC Sacramento main event. Hernandez rallied in Rounds3 and 4, but "Robocop" did enough to earn a unanimous decision.Rodrigues has won seven of his past eight Octagon appearances.
The next logical step for Rodrigues could be a clash with NassourdineImavov. Both fighters consistently pursue finishes, making thisan appealing matchup. Although Imavov has called for a ****** le shot,he might have to wait with KhamzatChimaev and Dricus DuPlessis also pursuing the championship currently held bySeanStrickland. A victory over Imavov could move Rodrigues close tohis own shot at the middleweight crown.
In the heavyweight co-main event, Petrino (15-2, 8-2 UFC) grappledhis way to a unanimous decision over former World Warriors FightingChampionship ****** leholder Spivac (18-7, 9-7 UFC) in a lacklusteraffair. It was not Petrino's best performance, but the victoryextended his winning streak to four.
The Brazilian continues to climb the rankings in a heavyweightdivision badly in need of new contenders. A matchup with notedfinisher BrandoPericic, who is building momentum of his own, could offer aninteresting test. The pairing would give both men an opportunity toestablish themselves as emerging threats in the division.
Former two-division OneChampionship ****** leholder Reinierde Ridder (22-4, 5-2 UFC) made a successful UFC lightheavyweight debut by defeating RomanDolidze (15-6, 9-6 UFC). De Ridder capitalized on Dolidze'sdecision to pull guard early, overwhelming his opponent on thecanvas by continually advancing position and landing punches.
The end came 4:01 into the first round, when Dolidze could no longer intelligently defend himself as de Ridder poured onstrikes from back control. Although "The Dutch Knight"rebounded from consecutive defeats, the victory came against afellow middleweight competing outside his usual weight class.
To secure a spot in the light heavyweight rankings, de Riddershould next face an established 205-pounder such as BogdanGuskov. Although Guskov lost his most recent ****** ignment, heremains a dangerous opponent who could provide a meaningfultest.
#although
The UFC Sacramento headliner featured a middleweight clash betweenAnthonyHernandez and GregoryRodrigues. The two delivered an entertaining fight, butRodrigues ultimately had his hand raised. In the co-main event,VitorPetrino defeated SergheiSpivac in a heavyweight bout. Although the co-feature did notlive up to expectations, the event produced 10 finishes in 13fights.
Let's examine what could be next for the main-card winners.
Thanks to sharper striking and punishing leg kicks, Rodrigues(20-6, 11-3 UFC) outstruck fellow former Legacy Fighting Alliance ****** leholder Hernandez (15-4, 1 NC; 9-4UFC) in the UFC Sacramento main event. Hernandez rallied in Rounds3 and 4, but "Robocop" did enough to earn a unanimous decision.Rodrigues has won seven of his past eight Octagon appearances.
The next logical step for Rodrigues could be a clash with NassourdineImavov. Both fighters consistently pursue finishes, making thisan appealing matchup. Although Imavov has called for a ****** le shot,he might have to wait with KhamzatChimaev and Dricus DuPlessis also pursuing the championship currently held bySeanStrickland. A victory over Imavov could move Rodrigues close tohis own shot at the middleweight crown.
In the heavyweight co-main event, Petrino (15-2, 8-2 UFC) grappledhis way to a unanimous decision over former World Warriors FightingChampionship ****** leholder Spivac (18-7, 9-7 UFC) in a lacklusteraffair. It was not Petrino's best performance, but the victoryextended his winning streak to four.
The Brazilian continues to climb the rankings in a heavyweightdivision badly in need of new contenders. A matchup with notedfinisher BrandoPericic, who is building momentum of his own, could offer aninteresting test. The pairing would give both men an opportunity toestablish themselves as emerging threats in the division.
Former two-division OneChampionship ****** leholder Reinierde Ridder (22-4, 5-2 UFC) made a successful UFC lightheavyweight debut by defeating RomanDolidze (15-6, 9-6 UFC). De Ridder capitalized on Dolidze'sdecision to pull guard early, overwhelming his opponent on thecanvas by continually advancing position and landing punches.
The end came 4:01 into the first round, when Dolidze could no longer intelligently defend himself as de Ridder poured onstrikes from back control. Although "The Dutch Knight"rebounded from consecutive defeats, the victory came against afellow middleweight competing outside his usual weight class.
To secure a spot in the light heavyweight rankings, de Riddershould next face an established 205-pounder such as BogdanGuskov. Although Guskov lost his most recent ****** ignment, heremains a dangerous opponent who could provide a meaningfultest.
#although
3 months ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live TODAY (Sat., Aug. 22, 2026) with UFC Sacramento, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA. Our main event tonight is Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues in the Middleweight division.
The UFC rolls into Sac-Town for the first time in years, tonight. The last time they were here they hung their card on Germaine de Randamie. I think it's fair to say they've come with a better main event this time around with 'Fluffy' vs. 'RoboCop'. Despite that fun main event, though, the rest of the card leaves much to be desired.
This is Hernandez's first fight since he was stopped by Sean Strickland. Had that not happened, Hernandez would have likely fought for the ****** le. Rodrigues is on a three fight winning streak and just KO'd Brunno Ferreira. Both these guys have lots of wins and finishes in the division. But it also feels like they'll need more than a win in Sacramento to get back into the 185 lbs. ****** le picture.
It's not the co-main, but the second most interesting fight on the card is Reinier de Ridder vs. Roman Dolidze, also in the Middleweight division. Both these guys are miles away from ****** le contention, but they are well-known names at least. De Ridder is coming off losses to Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen. Dolidze is coming off a loss to our headliner, Hernandez.
Rounding out the main card tonight is Serghei Spivac vs. Vitor Petrino, MarQuel Mederos vs. Mason Jones, Carli Judice vs. Jeisla Chaves and Anthony Wint vs. Terrance Chatman. Jones already had a Fight of the Year candidate, against Axel Sola, earlier this year. Judice and Chaves might also put on a fun brawl. Wint is a super prospect, and former NFL player, who has been fed a total newcomer.
#main #time
The UFC rolls into Sac-Town for the first time in years, tonight. The last time they were here they hung their card on Germaine de Randamie. I think it's fair to say they've come with a better main event this time around with 'Fluffy' vs. 'RoboCop'. Despite that fun main event, though, the rest of the card leaves much to be desired.
This is Hernandez's first fight since he was stopped by Sean Strickland. Had that not happened, Hernandez would have likely fought for the ****** le. Rodrigues is on a three fight winning streak and just KO'd Brunno Ferreira. Both these guys have lots of wins and finishes in the division. But it also feels like they'll need more than a win in Sacramento to get back into the 185 lbs. ****** le picture.
It's not the co-main, but the second most interesting fight on the card is Reinier de Ridder vs. Roman Dolidze, also in the Middleweight division. Both these guys are miles away from ****** le contention, but they are well-known names at least. De Ridder is coming off losses to Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen. Dolidze is coming off a loss to our headliner, Hernandez.
Rounding out the main card tonight is Serghei Spivac vs. Vitor Petrino, MarQuel Mederos vs. Mason Jones, Carli Judice vs. Jeisla Chaves and Anthony Wint vs. Terrance Chatman. Jones already had a Fight of the Year candidate, against Axel Sola, earlier this year. Judice and Chaves might also put on a fun brawl. Wint is a super prospect, and former NFL player, who has been fed a total newcomer.
#main #time
3 months ago
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 ****** le 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.
#hernandez #gregory #roman
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 ****** le 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.
#hernandez #gregory #roman
