The middleweight clash between Jack Hermansson and Gregory Rodrigues is set for UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It’s a classic striker-grappler matchup with high stakes in the crowded 185-pound division. Both fighters are coming off strong performances despite career ups and downs, and they’ll be looking to break into title contention with a statement win.

Jack Hermansson

Jack “The Joker” Hermansson is a veteran of the division with a reputation for toughness, cardio, and submission grappling. The Swedish-Norwegian contender has been in the UFC since 2016 and fought a who’s-who of top middleweights, including Jared Cannonier, Sean Strickland, Marvin Vettori, and Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza.

Hermansson’s biggest strengths lie in his relentless pace, ground-and-pound, and dangerous top control. He is also an underrated striker who can work behind a jab and manage distance well. At 36 years old, he’s looking to prove he’s still a threat in a division filled with younger, more explosive athletes.

He snapped a long layoff with a gritty five-round win over Joe Pyfer in February 2024, showcasing his veteran composure. After getting hurt early, Hermansson adjusted brilliantly to win the final three rounds with his jab, movement, and clinch wrestling.

Jack Hermansson – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Joe Pyfer – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC FN, February 10, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Roman Dolidze – TKO (Punches) (UFC on ESPN, December 3, 2022)
3. Win vs. Chris Curtis – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC FN, July 23, 2022)
4. Loss vs. Sean Strickland – Decision (Split) (UFC FN, February 5, 2022)
5. Win vs. Edmen Shahbazyan – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC FN, May 22, 2021)

Hermansson’s gameplan usually centers around surviving early power shots, clinching, and breaking opponents down over time with grappling and output.

Gregory Rodrigues

Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues is one of the most entertaining, all-action middleweights on the roster. The 33-year-old Brazilian is a BJJ black belt and 8-time national jiu-jitsu champion, but he’s best known in the UFC for his knockout power and willingness to brawl.

Rodrigues has scored 10 of his 16 wins by knockout, and his UFC tenure is filled with wild slugfests, big finishes, and multiple Fight of the Night bonuses. He’s dangerous everywhere but especially lethal in exchanges, using tight boxing and devastating elbows in close.

His biggest question mark remains his defense—he’s been knocked out multiple times, including a brutal loss to Jared Cannonier in February 2025. But he’s also shown resilience and fight-altering power even when hurt, as seen in his recent wins over Brad Tavares and Denis Tiuliulin.

Gregory Rodrigues – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Jared Cannonier – TKO (Punches) (UFC FN, February 15, 2025)
2. Win vs. Christian Leroy Duncan – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 304, July 27, 2024)
3. Win vs. Brad Tavares – TKO (Punches) (UFC FN, February 10, 2024)
4. Win vs. Denis Tiuliulin – KO (Elbows) (UFC 292, August 19, 2023)
5. Loss vs. Brunno Ferreira – KO (Punch) (UFC 283, January 21, 2023)

Rodrigues’ plan will likely be to pressure early, test Hermansson’s chin, and try to turn this into a phone-booth fight where he can land big power shots.

Prediction

This matchup comes down to Hermansson’s tactical, cardio-heavy game vs. Rodrigues’ raw power and kill-or-be-killed style. If Rodrigues can land big early, he can absolutely finish this. But Hermansson’s experience, movement, jab, and clinch wrestling are designed to neutralize brawlers who overcommit.

Prediction:
Jack Hermansson def. Gregory Rodrigues via Decision (Unanimous)

Expect Rodrigues to have success early, maybe even wobble Hermansson, but “The Joker” should weather it, impose clinch work, and outgrapple Rodrigues over 15 minutes to earn a clear decision.