UFC Fight Night August 22, 2026 brings the Octagon back to Sacramento, California, with middleweights Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues meeting in a five-round main event.
The event takes place at the Golden 1 Center and features a 13-fight lineup across the main card and prelims. UFC currently lists the main card for 7:00 PM GMT-5, with the preliminary card beginning at 4:00 PM GMT-5.
Hernandez enters the weekend as the higher-ranked middleweight, but Rodrigues brings the kind of finishing threat that can quickly turn a main event into chaos.
Meanwhile, the rest of the card includes heavyweight contenders, experienced UFC names and several newer fighters still trying to establish themselves.
When Is UFC Fight Night Hernandez vs Rodrigues?
Event: UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Rodrigues
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California, United States
Prelims: 4:00 PM GMT-5
Main Card: 7:00 PM GMT-5
Main Event: Anthony Hernandez vs Gregory Rodrigues
Weight Class: Middleweight
The UFC officially returns to Sacramento with Hernandez vs Rodrigues positioned as a pivotal matchup in the middleweight division.
Who Is Fighting in the UFC Fight Night August 22 Main Event?
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez faces Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues in the main event.
Hernandez enters the event ranked No. 6 in the UFC middleweight division on the UFC event listing, while Rodrigues is listed at No. 11.
It is a meaningful fight for both men.
Hernandez has an opportunity to strengthen his position near the top of a competitive middleweight division. Rodrigues, meanwhile, can make a significant jump by defeating an opponent ranked several places above him.
The contrast between their approaches also gives the matchup added intrigue.
Hernandez has built much of his success through relentless pressure, grappling and an ability to force opponents into exhausting fights.
Rodrigues carries serious power and has repeatedly shown that he does not need many clean opportunities to change a fight.
That makes the main event more than a rankings matchup.
It is also a test of whether Hernandez can impose his pace without giving Rodrigues the opening he needs.
What Is the UFC Fight Night August 22, 2026 Main Card?
The scheduled main card is:
Anthony Hernandez vs Gregory Rodrigues
Middleweight Main Event
Hernandez enters as the higher-ranked contender and the betting favorite, while Rodrigues gets a chance to score one of the biggest wins of his UFC career.
Serghei Spivac vs Vitor Petrino
Heavyweight Co-Main Event
Serghei Spivac returns against Vitor Petrino in a heavyweight matchup.
Spivac has long been a difficult opponent because of his grappling-heavy approach and physical control.
Petrino presents a different threat with his athleticism and power.
The winner could take an important step forward in a heavyweight division where a strong run can quickly create bigger opportunities.
Reinier de Ridder vs Roman Dolidze
Light Heavyweight Bout
Reinier de Ridder meets Roman Dolidze in another notable matchup.
Both fighters have experience competing against high-level opposition, and the bout gives the card an interesting stylistic matchup below the two headlining fights.
MarQuel Mederos vs Mason Jones
Lightweight Bout
MarQuel Mederos faces Mason Jones at lightweight.
Jones enters as the betting favorite, but lightweight remains one of the UFC’s deepest divisions, meaning every victory matters for fighters trying to separate themselves from the pack.
Carli Judice vs Jeisla Chaves
Women’s Flyweight Bout
Carli Judice meets Jeisla Chaves in a women’s flyweight contest.
Judice enters as a significant betting favorite heading into fight week.
Anthony Wint vs Terrance Chatman
Heavyweight Bout
Anthony Wint faces Terrance Chatman in another heavyweight matchup.
Both men remain relatively fresh faces for many UFC viewers, making the fight an opportunity to leave a strong first impression on a main-card stage.
What Fights Are on the UFC Sacramento Prelims?
The preliminary card is scheduled to feature:
Jamall Emmers vs Lerryan Douglas
Featherweight Bout
Veteran Jamall Emmers takes on Lerryan Douglas in a featherweight matchup.
Douglas enters as the betting favorite, while Emmers brings considerably more UFC experience.
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Shamil Gaziev
Heavyweight Bout
Kennedy Nzechukwu faces Shamil Gaziev in a battle between two large heavyweights capable of ending a fight quickly.
Gaziev enters as the slight favorite.
Chris Padilla vs Nasrat Haqparast
Lightweight Bout
Chris Padilla meets Nasrat Haqparast in one of the more evenly matched fights on the preliminary card.
The betting line reflects that, with Haqparast entering as only a narrow favorite.
Marcio Barbosa vs Ryan Kuse
Featherweight Bout
Marcio Barbosa faces Ryan Kuse at featherweight.
Barbosa enters the weekend as one of the biggest favorites on the entire card.
Gauge Young vs Stan Dorsainvil
Lightweight Bout
Gauge Young meets Stan Dorsainvil in another lightweight matchup.
Young enters as the betting favorite.
Wes Schultz vs Jackson McVey
Middleweight Bout
Wes Schultz takes on Jackson McVey at middleweight.
McVey enters the fight favored to win.
Shanelle Dyer vs Elise Reed
Women’s Strawweight Bout
Shanelle Dyer faces Elise Reed in the opening portion of the card.
Dyer enters as a heavy betting favorite.
Which UFC Fight Night August 22 Fight Should Fans Watch Closely?
Hernandez vs Rodrigues is the obvious answer, but Spivac vs Petrino could be one of the more important fights beneath the main event.
Heavyweight remains a division where momentum can change quickly.
Spivac has already spent years competing against experienced UFC heavyweights, while Petrino continues trying to establish himself at a higher level.
Then there is Reinier de Ridder vs Roman Dolidze, which brings together two fighters with dangerous grappling and finishing ability.
Those fights give the card more depth than the main event alone.
Why Is Anthony Hernandez vs Gregory Rodrigues Important?
The middleweight division is constantly searching for the next fighter capable of breaking into the championship conversation.
Hernandez already sits inside the upper portion of the rankings.
A convincing victory over Rodrigues would strengthen his argument for another major matchup.
Rodrigues has even more to gain.
Beating a top-six opponent would immediately change his position in the division and could place him within range of the UFC’s highest-ranked middleweights.
The stakes are therefore different for each man, but significant for both.
Hernandez is trying to protect and improve his position.
Rodrigues is trying to take it.
Where Is UFC Fight Night Hernandez vs Rodrigues Taking Place?
The event takes place at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
It marks another UFC event in Sacramento and gives Hernandez the opportunity to compete in Northern California.
The UFC has promoted the card around its return to the city, with the Hernandez vs Rodrigues middleweight fight serving as the centerpiece.
What Time Does UFC Fight Night Start on August 22?
According to the UFC event listing:
Prelims: 4:00 PM GMT-5
Main Card: 7:00 PM GMT-5
Because broadcast schedules can occasionally change during fight week, viewers should check the official UFC listing before the event begins.
Full UFC Fight Night August 22, 2026 Fight Card
Main Card
Anthony Hernandez vs Gregory Rodrigues
Middleweight
Serghei Spivac vs Vitor Petrino
Heavyweight
Reinier de Ridder vs Roman Dolidze
Light Heavyweight
MarQuel Mederos vs Mason Jones
Lightweight
Carli Judice vs Jeisla Chaves
Women’s Flyweight
Anthony Wint vs Terrance Chatman
Heavyweight
Preliminary Card
Jamall Emmers vs Lerryan Douglas
Featherweight
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Shamil Gaziev
Heavyweight
Chris Padilla vs Nasrat Haqparast
Lightweight
Marcio Barbosa vs Ryan Kuse
Featherweight
Gauge Young vs Stan Dorsainvil
Lightweight
Wes Schultz vs Jackson McVey
Middleweight
Shanelle Dyer vs Elise Reed
Women’s Strawweight
What Should Fans Expect From UFC Sacramento?
UFC Fight Night August 22 does not need a championship attached to it to have consequences.
Hernandez has a ranking to protect and a possible path toward the top of the middleweight division.
Rodrigues has the opportunity to take a major step forward with one victory.
Below them, Spivac and Petrino battle for heavyweight momentum, while several prospects and developing contenders will try to leave Sacramento with their stock moving in the right direction.
By Saturday night, the middleweight picture could look a little different.
For Hernandez and Rodrigues, that is exactly what makes this fight matter.
FAQ
When is UFC Fight Night Hernandez vs Rodrigues?
UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Rodrigues takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Where is UFC Fight Night August 22, 2026?
The event takes place at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
Who is fighting in the UFC August 22 main event?
Anthony Hernandez faces Gregory Rodrigues in the middleweight main event.
What time does UFC Fight Night August 22 start?
The prelims are listed for 4:00 PM GMT-5, while the main card begins at 7:00 PM GMT-5.
What division is Anthony Hernandez vs Gregory Rodrigues?
Hernandez vs Rodrigues is a middleweight fight.
How many rounds is Hernandez vs Rodrigues?
As the main event, Anthony Hernandez vs Gregory Rodrigues is scheduled for five rounds.
Who is ranked higher, Anthony Hernandez or Gregory Rodrigues?
The UFC event listing has Anthony Hernandez at No. 6 and Gregory Rodrigues at No. 11 heading into the event.
Who is in the UFC Sacramento co-main event?
Serghei Spivac faces Vitor Petrino in the heavyweight co-main event.
Is Reinier de Ridder fighting at UFC Sacramento?
Yes. Reinier de Ridder is scheduled to fight Roman Dolidze in a light heavyweight bout.
Is Shanelle Dyer fighting on August 22?
Yes. Shanelle Dyer is scheduled to face Elise Reed on the preliminary card.
How many fights are scheduled for UFC Fight Night August 22?
The current lineup features 13 fights.
Is UFC Fight Night August 22 taking place in Las Vegas?
No. The event takes place in Sacramento, California.
What is the main storyline for UFC Fight Night August 22?
The biggest storyline is whether Anthony Hernandez can continue climbing toward the top of the middleweight division or whether Gregory Rodrigues can use the main-event opportunity to make a major jump in the rankings.
