Felipe Franco defeated Levi Rodrigues Jr. by stoppage during a light heavyweight bout at UFC Oklahoma City on Saturday, July 18, 2026 [1].
The victory establishes Franco as a dangerous presence in the light heavyweight division following a dominant performance against a newcomer. This win signals a potential shift in the division's rankings as Franco demonstrates a high level of striking precision.
The event took place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [2]. Franco secured the win using a combination of punches, and elbows to end the fight. Following the stoppage, former champion Daniel Cormier conducted the interview with Franco inside the octagon.
"Great job, Felipe, that was an amazing performance," Cormier said [3].
Franco spoke about his growth as an athlete and his current state of preparation. He emphasized that his skills have evolved significantly since his previous appearances in the cage.
"I am a thousand percent better as a fighter," Franco said [4].
The defeat was a setback for Levi Rodrigues Jr., who entered the contest with high expectations. Before the fight, Rodrigues Jr. had expressed confidence in his ability to surpass the achievements of other top fighters in the sport.
"I will accomplish what Alex Pereira could not," Rodrigues Jr. said [5].
Despite those assertions, Franco's offensive pressure proved too much for the newcomer to overcome. The stoppage victory allows Franco to move forward in the UFC light heavyweight rankings with momentum as the organization continues to scout new talent in the U.S.
“"I am a thousand percent better as a fighter."”
Franco's victory at the Paycom Center demonstrates the volatility of the light heavyweight division when newcomers face seasoned strikers. By stopping Rodrigues Jr., Franco has validated his claims of improvement and positioned himself as a viable candidate for higher-profile matchups in the UFC's upcoming schedule.
