LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 15: (R-L) Jared Cannonier punches Gregory Rodrigues of Brazil in a middleweight struggle in the course of the UFC Battle Evening occasion at UFC APEX on February 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Middleweights Gregory Rodrigues and Jared Cannonier met in the primary occasion of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 102, with “Robocop” Rodrigues offered with a possibility to interrupt into the division’s prime 15.
Cannonier, a former title challenger, remained ranked #7 within the weight class, whereas Rodrigues, a fan-favorite from Brazil, had but to see a quantity subsequent to his title within the UFC.
The potential for a end was excessive as Cannonier and Rodrigues stood toe-to-toe off the opening bell. Rodrigues break up the guard a few occasions, whereas Cannonier loaded up on a large proper hand that missed. Cannonier briefly dropped down however that appeared extra of a slip. They’d find yourself clinching alongside the fence close to the halfway mark earlier than heading again to heart, the place Rodrigues went again on the offensive. The Brazilian combined in a shot to the physique, modified ranges, grabbed a leg and labored on a takedown, although Cannonier was again up instantly. Robocop continued to work the physique with Cannonier then hemmed in towards the cage. Moments later, at distance, a Rodrigues punch despatched Jared Cannonier reeling. Rodrigues then went after a guillotine, although Cannonier transformed a takedown that didn’t final.
Rodrigues would go to the physique with a kick later within the spherical, and Cannonier loaded up on a leg kick. A Rodrigues kick tripped up Cannonier, leading to a scramble; “The Killa Gorilla” wound up driving Rodrigues into the cage after that.
Spherical three noticed proceed to press, mixing kicks in along with his assaults. Rodrigues got here proper again, making issues a tad extra even than they’d been within the second, which had clearly been Cannonier’s spherical. Within the again half of the spherical, ‘Robocop” turned up the heat, forcing Cannonier into a sloppy takedown attempt. Rodrigues, however, was again showing signs of fatigue. That didn’t cease him from smashing Cannonier, who in flip attacked with an elbow. With 30 seconds to go, Rodriguez seemed for a single leg however was too drained to finish it. Moments later, Cannonier related with an elbow, and Rodrigues went down with Cannonier throughout him! Saved by the bell, but it surely secured the spherical for Cannonier.
Rodrigues was nonetheless damage to start out spherical 4, and Cannonier knew it. He got here out scorching, ripped the physique, swarmed, and landed just a few extra occasions as Rodrigues went down! That was sufficient for ref Herb Dean, who waved off the struggle. Clear stoppage win, and an enormous one for Jared Cannonier, who had entered with a whole lot of questions as a consequence of his age and shedding streak.
After the struggle, Cannonier admitted to being dropped and famous that “I’d rather die on my feet” than exit on his again.
Official Outcome: Jared Cannonier def. Gregory Rodrigues by TKO, Spherical 4, 0:21
