Popular middleweight Gregory Rodriguez, known as “Robocop” (or “Robobama” for his resemblance to Barack Obama) was in hostile territory facing Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304.
Both men were capable of explosive finishes, with Duncan looking to continue a strong night for the UK contingent, who had fared well on the preliminary portion of the card.
Out of the gate, CLD relied on feints and stance switches, but it was Rodrigues connecting with a left hand early on. The first two minutes played out on the feet, until “Robocop” took the fight to the canvas, where he had a clear edge.
Duncan managed to stall the Brazilian’s progress, but a welt had developed on the side of his said soon enough. Rodrigues, in half guard, worked at a steady, patient pace, though Duncan did make it to his knees, looking to scramble out. If nothing else, he was able to prevent Rodrigues from pulling off any serious submission attempts.
Rodrigues appeared more than happy to stand and trade in round two, though come the midway mark, he finally tied things up, looking for a takedown that was only forestalled by a Christian Leroy Duncan fence grab. The ref would eventually break up the pair as they grappled along the fence, restarting the action at center. There, Duncan fired an elbow or two that fell short; Rodrigues fired back with his hands, landing a right hand, and at some point opening up a cut on CLD.
Putting a final stamp on the round, Rodrigues landed a takedown in the final 30 seconds.
Round three found Duncan looking for a takedown of his own, with a very real possibility existing that he might be in need of a finish. Instead, Rodrigues turned the tables, grabbed a leg, and pursued his own takedown, spinning CLD around and around. He’d eventually get the Brit to one knee, sneaking in a hook and working to take the back.
Robocop wouldn’t find the finish in the end. He would, however, pick up a one-sided decision victory against another solid talent. Coming in off a victory over Brad Tavares, Gregory Rodrigues has now won three straight.
Official Result: Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
