The UFC is back stateside after another successful run on Fight Island. This weekend, the octagon returns to the UFC Apex for UFC Vegas 12. The main event sees Uriah Hall taking on the legendary Anderson Silva in his final walk to the octagon. Also on the card is Andre Fili vs Bryce Mitchell. Alexander Hernandez, Kevin Holland, Bobby Green, and Greg Hardy are also set to appear. Adrian Yanez was supposed to take on Aaron Phillips, but Phillips pulled out due to injury. Now Yanez will be making his debut against a newcomer in Victor Rodriguez.
“Vicious” Victor Rodriguez
5’5″
Bantamweight
28-years-old
Soldotna, Alaska
Bang Muay Thai
7-2
7 KO/TKOs
How will Rodriguez fare in the UFC:
Rodriguez is one of those Alaskan FC guys who’s had a very low level of opposition for much of his run. He’s fought three opponents making their debut. Beyond that, he fought records such as 0-3, 1-1, and 2-1. However, Rodriguez was able to defeat the 8-1 Jared Mazurek in his last fight, winning the Alaska FC bantamweight title in the process. Which does make him look better.
What Rodriguez brings to the table is strong wrestling, athleticism, and explosiveness. On the feet he hits hard, he has a nice inside leg kick, and does go to the body-head in combinations. He’s probably a better wrestler. Rodriguez is a purple belt in jiu-jitsu but it’s his ground and pound that is fight-ending. Rodriguez isn’t afraid of entering into a war, but is easily hit and his takedown defense isn’t the best. With those glaring holes against the competition he’s been fighting, it’s not a good look. His cardio also drains pretty quickly, which is known to be the biggest weakness in a lot of fighters.
- Striking: B-
- Kickboxing: B-
- Clinch: C
- Wrestling: B
- Grappling: C
- Striking Defense: C-
- Takedown Defense: C-
- Cardio: D+
- Biggest Strength: Wrestling
- Biggest Weakness: Cardio
How he matches up with Yanez:
Yanez is a huge step up in competition for Rodriguez. On the feet, it should be a banger but Yanez has a significant advantage. Yanez is the much faster and crisper boxer. As said above, Rodriguez is easily hit and Yanez will likely have his way with him. Rodriguez will have to come in with a wrestling-heavy game plan. Still, there is still so much unknown about Rodriguez, so I am confidently taking Yanez by TKO.
