Anthony Hernandez claims Gregory Rodriguez was ‘cheating,’ grabbing his gloves in UFC Sacramento main event – MMA Fighting

Anthony Hernandez has publicly accused his opponent, Gregory Rodriguez, of cheating during the main event of the UFC Sacramento card, alleging that Rodriguez grabbed Hernandez’s gloves in the early rounds. The claim surfaced immediately after the bout concluded, with Hernandez taking to his social media channels to detail what he believes was an illegal act that cost him the fight.

The fight, which took place at the newly opened Sacramento Convention Center, was a highly anticipated matchup between the two fighters’ respective camps. Hernandez, a seasoned striker known for his disciplined approach, entered the octagon with a 13‑3 record, while Rodriguez, a grappler with a 12‑2 record, was expected to bring his ground game to the forefront. The bout went the distance, with Rodriguez ultimately earning a unanimous decision from the judges.

In a post‑fight statement, Hernandez claimed that during the third round, Rodriguez had reached into the cage and grabbed his gloves, an action he said was not only illegal but also gave Rodriguez an unfair advantage. “I was in a position where I thought I was going to get a takedown, but he just grabbed my gloves and used that to pull me in,” Hernandez said. “It’s not just a tactic; it’s a violation of the rules.”

Rodriguez, however, denied the accusations and maintained that he had no knowledge of Hernandez’s gloves being compromised. “I fought cleanly and respected the rules,” Rodriguez replied. “I’m proud of my performance and the way I handled the fight.”

The UFC’s official investigation into the claim is pending. While the promotion has not yet released a statement, officials have indicated that they will review the fight footage and any relevant footage from the event’s cameras to determine whether Rodriguez’s alleged glove grab violated the organization’s regulations.

The incident has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike about the importance of adherence to the sport’s technical rules and the potential impact of such infractions on fight outcomes. As the UFC continues to refine its oversight protocols, the Hernandez‑Rodriguez case may serve as a reminder of the scrutiny fighters face both inside and outside the octagon.