Christian Rodriguez is making the move up to featherweight at UFC Vegas 88, where he faces off with the undefeated Isaac Dulgarian.
Speaking during this week’s media day, Rodriguez (10-1) addressed the change in weight.
“I’m cutting a little less, but I did start emphasizing more on strength and conditioning. More sessions on that, and just really focusing on the fight itself,” explained Rodriguez. As to how he’ll show out, “I’m excited. I won’t be depleted,” he added. “I think I’ll put on a really, really good performance.”
While admitting that his opponent is a “good wrestler,” Rodriguez noted that “it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I think I’ve fought tougher opponents before. I’m not looking past him, but I know what I bring to the table.”
Rodriguez has also admitted to the fight being somewhat personal, though it seems that’s just how he approaches fights in general, rather than something Dulgarian has done.
“Every fight’s personal for me. It’s like, I get in the cage with someone who wants to take away my money, wants to hurt me. So every fight is personal for me.” The incoming featherweight added that after last year not going his way, he’s coming into UFC Vegas 88 with “more of a chip on my shoulder, because last year didn’t go the way I wanted it to.”
That, added Rodriguez, is why “things are personal for me.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 88 media day appearance by Christian Rodriguez above.
