UFC Sacramento Clears 26 Weigh-Ins as Hernandez, Rodrigues Set 186-185 Main Event

Q: Will Reinier de Ridder's leap to light heavyweight unlock his true potential, or will the size difference prove too much?

De Ridder’s move to light heavyweight looks more likely to unlock his best form than expose him to a fatal size gap, at least in the short term. The evidence points to the weight cut at 185, not the skill level, as the main reason his momentum stalled. De Ridder has said repeated middleweight cuts left him “broken down,” hurt recovery, and even caused a metabolic crash in the Brendan Allen fight. At 205, he says he has been able to train hard twice a day again, which suggests a fresher version of the fighter who quickly rose in the UFC and previously held titles in ONE at heavier weights. Physically, he is not undersized for this division. At 6-foot-4, de Ridder was huge for middleweight and typically walked around near 215 pounds. He has also already competed successfully at 205 and above before joining the UFC. Against Roman Dolidze, who also came up from middleweight and weighed 206, the matchup does not present an overwhelming size disadvantage. The bigger question is not pure mass but whether the extra weight class solves his tactical flaws. De Ridder remains vulnerable when forced onto his back, and larger light heavyweights with strong top control could still punish that. Dolidze is dangerous enough to test that immediately, even if many analysts still favor de Ridder. So the move should help more than hurt. It may not erase his defensive weaknesses, but it should restore his cardio, pace, and durability — and those were central to his success.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Aug 21

All 26 fighters made weight Friday for UFC Sacramento, locking in Saturday’s full card without any late scale issues.
Anthony Hernandez came in at 186 pounds and Gregory Rodrigues at 185, confirming the middleweight main event between the two contenders.
Serghei Spivac and Vitor Petrino also cleared the co-main event at 257 and 246 pounds, respectively.
Reinier de Ridder weighed 205 pounds for his first UFC light heavyweight bout, returning to a division where he previously held ONE titles at 205 and 225.
The card begins at 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+ with prelims, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET.

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MMA Fighting7h ago

UFC Sacramento: All 26 Fighters Make Weight, Hernandez vs. Rodrigues Main Event Set

Yahoo Sports7h ago

UFC Sacramento weigh-in results: Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues set, Reinier de Ridder returns to 205 - Yahoo Sports

MMA Junkie1d ago

UFC Sacramento video: Anthony Hernandez, Gregory Rodrigues make weight

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With analysts predicting grueling battles, which UFC Sacramento fighter will break first under the intense pressure of the octagon?

Will Reinier de Ridder's leap to light heavyweight unlock his true potential, or will the size difference prove too much?

Can Anthony Hernandez channel his emotional reset into a career-defining victory against a surging Gregory Rodrigues?

UFC Sacramento Clears 26 Weigh-Ins as Hernandez, Rodrigues Set 186-185 Main Event

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