Charles Jourdain and Marcelo Rojo put on a show at UFC Vegas 21, with Jourdain earning the victory via third-round TKO.
Canada’s Charles Jourdain and UFC newcomer Marcelo Rojo were paired up at UFC Vegas 21 on Saturday in a featherweight tilt brimming with Fight of the Night potential. While Jourdain had a record in the UFC’s 145lb division of just 1-1-1 to start the night, both his loss and obviously draw had been unquestionably close. Rojo, meanwhile, had been expected to make his debut last month. But after opponent Raoni Barcelos was forced out of that bout due to COVID-19, the Combate Americas alum instead took a short-notice opportunity two weeks later.
Rojo and Jourdain both started off quick on Saturday, leaving nothing to the imagination as Jourdain started off by looking for a flying knee and began attacking Rojo’s body with kicks. Rojo tried to counter by getting in close, throwing hooks to the head of Jourdain, and landing a big knee in the clinch when Jourdain got close. As the round went on, Rojo started to gain momentum, landing big flurries and backing Jourdain up to the fence. Jourdain tried to throw some kicks upstairs but they were mostly blocked by Rojo. Jourdain ended the round with a big left hook.
Rojo picked up where he left off in round two, throwing a big combination to start the round, ripping to the body of Jourdain as well. Jourdain tried to keep Rojo off of him and started finding a home for the jab. Rojo got hit with a shot below the belt and had to take a brief break, but after the break came out firing huge shots. Jourdain took them well however, and started landing low kicks to try and slow down Rojo. Jourdain hurt Rojo near the end of the round with a big combination, however, Rojo was able to get to round three.
Jourdain came out firing to start round three and dropped Rojo, who was hurt bad. Jourdain swarmed Rojo and tried to get the finish but Rojo did his best to tie him up on the mat. Jourdain then stood up and jumped off the cage to land a hammerfist! Jourdain continued to land brutal shots from the top and nearly got the finish. Rojo eventually got back to his feet, and the two began trading hooks. Jourdain soon dropped Rojo after a left hand, and that was all she wrote! Any follow-up strikes were just window dressing.
MESSAGE RECEIVED ✉️
🇨🇦@JourdainAir just closed the fight with a show! #UFCVegas21 pic.twitter.com/9vTjHyVuEZ
— UFC (@ufc) March 14, 2021
A great start to 2021 for Charles Jourdain, living up to his potential with an impressive stoppage win.
Official Result: Charles Jourdain def. Marcelo Rojo via Knockout, Round 3, 4:31
