Jack Hermansson Returns to the Octagon to Face Gregory Rodrigues at UFC 317
Alright, fight fans, let’s talk about a middleweight clash that’s flying under the radar but could absolutely steal the show—Jack Hermansson vs Gregory Rodrigues at UFC 317.
Now, Hermansson is a name we haven’t heard much from in recent months, and there’s a reason for that. It’s been nearly 17 months since he last stepped into the Octagon, and that’s a long time away in the MMA world. His last performance was an impressive one, though—he scored a solid win over Joe Pyfer, who was gaining momentum at the time. That victory was crucial for Hermansson, breaking a cycle of inconsistent results and reminding us of what he’s capable of when everything clicks.
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But here's the challenge—rust is real. A long layoff like this can slow down even the most experienced fighters, and Hermansson, now 24-8, has historically struggled to maintain momentum. Since 2019, he hasn’t managed to string together back-to-back wins, and coming into a fight cold, especially against someone like Rodrigues, is a tall order.
Gregory Rodrigues, also known as “Robocop,” steps into this fight with something to prove. He’s 16-6 and recently fought Jared Cannonier in what was a wild and competitive bout. Yes, he came up short via TKO, but it earned Fight of the Night honors and showed how dangerous and exciting he is inside the cage. The quick turnaround from that loss may raise eyebrows, but Rodrigues has bounced back from knockouts before—he knows how to regroup and bring the heat.
Stylistically, this matchup is fascinating. Hermansson thrives in grappling-heavy scenarios with slick submissions and top control. Rodrigues, on the other hand, brings explosive striking and raw athleticism. If it stays on the feet, Rodrigues will likely be the one pushing the pace. But if Hermansson gets it to the ground early, we could be in for a technical chess match.
Still, the odds seem to favor Rodrigues here. The Brazilian’s recent activity, his power, and the momentum he’s maintained—even through a loss—make him a tough customer for someone like Hermansson, who hasn’t been in a live fight situation in well over a year.
So my prediction? I have to give the edge to Gregory Rodrigues. He’s fresher, hungrier, and has the kind of finishing ability that can expose any hesitation or ring rust in Hermansson’s game. That said, never count out Jack. If he finds his rhythm, he has all the tools to grind out a tough win. But for now, the smart pick is Rodrigues getting his hand raised at UFC 317.
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