Big matchups added as UFC returns to Sacramento

By admin — In News — July 8, 2026

   ​New matchups have been revealed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to Sacramento, California, as UFC Fight Night confirms a star-studded card at the Golden 1 Center on August 22. The event promises high-stakes action from top to bottom, led by a pivotal middleweight showdown in the main event and a thrilling light heavyweight bout serving as the co-headliner. Additional bouts on the card have also been announced, signaling a stacked lineup for UFC Sacramento that should excite fans and bettors alike.
In the headlining clash, Anthony Hernandez will square off against Gregory Rodrigues in a highly anticipated middleweight duel. Hernandez will be eager to rebound from his defeat to Sean Strickland this past February, aiming to reclaim momentum in the 185-pound division. Rodrigues, meanwhile, comes into the matchup riding a three-fight win streak and will be looking to extend that run to four with a decisive victory over Hernandez on home soil. The stakes are high for both fighters, as a win could position the victor for a potential title shot or a top-5 placement in the fiercely competitive middleweight division.
Slotted as the co-main event is a light heavyweight encounter featuring Reinier de Ridder stepping up to the 205-pound limit to face Roman Dolidze. De Ridder, who has recently endured back-to-back losses at middleweight against Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho, is testing himself in a new weight class in Sacramento. His opponent, Dolidze, is also seeking a rebound after a two-fight skid, making this 205-pound clash an essential turning point for both veterans as they navigate the light heavyweight ranks.
Other notable bouts announced for UFC Sacramento include a heavyweight matchup between Serghei Spivac and Vitor Petrino, a heavyweight collision pairing Kennedy Nzechukwu with Shamil Gaziev, and a pair of strawweight tilts featuring two female matchups. Carli Judice will face Jeisla Chaves, and Shanelle Dyer is set to take on Elise Reed in two women’s strawweight bouts that should deliver speed, technique, and end-to-end action. In addition, Contender Series alumnus Wes Schultz is scheduled to collide with Jackson McVey at middleweight, adding a rising star element to the card and giving fans another reason to tune in.
As the UFC prepares to return to Sacramento, more bouts are anticipated to be announced in the coming weeks. The card already showcases a blend of veteran staples and fresh prospects, with meaningful implications across multiple weight divisions. With a marquee main event, a must-watch co-main event, and a robust supporting lineup, UFC Sacramento is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Fight Night events of the year, delivering continuous action from start to finish for attendees in Northern California and viewers around the world.
Fans should stay tuned for additional fight announcements as UFC organizers tease further matchups and potential surprises for the August 22 event at the Golden 1 Center.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

Image Credit: Getty Images

All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.