Gregory Rodrigues calls out Dricus du Plessis after UFC Sacramento win

Gregory Rodrigues already knows what he wants next. Last Saturday, the Brazilian defeated Anthony Hernandez by unanimous decision in the UFC Sacramento main event, extending his winning streak to four fights and taking another important step toward the top of the middleweight division. After the victory, Rodrigues immediately called out former UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis as the opponent he wants next.

Gregory Rodrigues Calls Out Dricus du Plessis

The UFC Sacramento main event turned into a 25-minute war that earned Rodrigues and Hernandez a Fight of the Night bonus. After the judges awarded him a unanimous decision victory, Rodrigues didn't hesitate to challenge Du Plessis while still inside the Octagon.

"Dricus du Plessis, where are you?" Rodrigues yelled into the microphone. "I want you. Let's go. No. 1 contender to fight for the belt."

During the post-fight press conference, Rodrigues returned to the subject, saying that a bout against Du Plessis would make a lot of sense as the next step in his career. The Brazilian also said he plans to discuss the possibility with his managers and the UFC.

Gregory Rodrigues Believes He Proved Himself

Rodrigues entered the fight against Hernandez facing one of the toughest challenges of his UFC career. Known for his relentless pace and grappling pressure, Hernandez pushed the Brazilian through five demanding rounds, while Rodrigues also had to deal with a crowd that was largely against him. After overcoming both, "Robocop" believes the victory proved that he belongs among the division's top names.

"That was amazing," Rodrigues said in the post-fight press conference. "I think I can't ask for more. That was a battle. Hernandez is a tough guy, and to fight with the crowd against me and against a tough guy, I think I proved myself and I put my name high in the division, and I'm very close to my goal to be a champion in my division."

Du Plessis, meanwhile, is coming off a victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in his most recent appearance. The former middleweight champion remains one of the biggest names in the division, making a potential matchup with Rodrigues a significant opportunity for the Brazilian as he looks to continue climbing toward title contention.

With four consecutive victories, Rodrigues has made it clear that he is looking to take another major step forward in his UFC career. A fight against Du Plessis would represent another significant challenge and could give Robocop the opportunity to further establish himself among the middleweight division's elite.