gregory rodrigues is at the center of a high-stakes rematch at UFC 326, where he faces Brunno Ferreira again after their first meeting ended in a first-round knockout in 2023. As of 3: 00 p. m. ET on March 7, the bout is framed by Ferreira’s insistence that a recent weight miss is behind him and Rodrigues’ push to climb at middleweight. The fight is scheduled in Las Vegas, Nevada, on a card that begins at 5 p. m. ET with the main card at 9 p. m. ET.
UFC 326 matchup: what’s on the line in the rematch
Ferreira replaced Brad Tavares to face five-time octagon veteran gregory rodrigues in January 2023 and stopped him with a left punch at UFC 283. Now, Ferreira enters UFC 326 on a three-fight winning streak that includes two armbar finishes and a decision win over Marvin Vettori. Ferreira said the rematch “makes total sense, ” explaining that despite his consecutive wins, Rodrigues remains ahead of him in the rankings, and the UFC did not want to book Ferreira against an unranked opponent because others were already scheduled.
On the other side, Rodrigues has won five of his past six fights, including victories over Jack Hermansson and Roman Kopylov. That surge came after a “Fight of the Night” main event defeat to Jared Cannonier in February 2025, with Rodrigues aiming to move toward the top of the division with a win at UFC 326.
Ferreira details weight miss and vows the problem is solved
Ferreira missed weight for a December fight with Vettori and described the moment as a professional breaking point. “That bothered me a lot because I’ve always been an athlete who doesn’t leave loose ends, ” Ferreira said. He explained that he changed his diet in 2025, adding more muscle mass to handle training pace, but the approach backfired as his body failed to adapt to the protocol.
Ferreira said the issue was not simply the final cut but the direction of his overall preparation. He described having 14 pounds to cut in 24 hours ahead of the Vettori bout, saying his body “shut down. ” He also outlined his weight range, saying he was cutting down from 216 pounds at one point, while his normal training weight is “usually 205 pounds tops. ”
Now, he says he feels “much lighter and healthier, ” and he intends to show it when he steps into the cage at UFC 326.
Immediate reactions: mindset, respect, and the danger both men bring
Ferreira urged a clean mental slate going into the second fight, warning against emotional decision-making. “Pride is something that hurts you, ” Ferreira said. “This revenge feeling doesn’t help. Forget that. ” He added that he believes Rodrigues underestimated him the first time, and said that if the same dynamic appears again, he will capitalize.
From a technical snapshot presented ahead of the card, both fighters are described as aggressive and likely to push pace. One preview listed Ferreira at 3. 85 significant strikes landed per minute and 3. 99 absorbed, while Rodrigues was listed at 5. 60 landed and 4. 84 absorbed. The same preview also noted Rodrigues’ recent performance against Kopylov as a striking display over three rounds, while describing Ferreira as powerful but hittable.
Quick context
The rematch is one of several major fights on a Las Vegas card topped by Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira in a “BMF” belt rematch. In the UFC 326 main-card opener, the middleweight storyline is built around whether Ferreira’s adjustments hold up and whether Rodrigues can turn recent momentum into a defining win.
What’s next at UFC 326
All eyes now shift to fight night logistics and execution: Ferreira has promised that his weight-cut issues are resolved, and Rodrigues is seeking to continue his run toward the top of the division. With the card beginning at 5 p. m. ET and the main card at 9 p. m. ET in Las Vegas, the rematch will test preparation as much as power—especially for gregory rodrigues as he looks to answer the result of their first meeting.
