Middleweights Gregory Rodrigues and Jared Cannonier met in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 102, with “Robocop” Rodrigues presented with an opportunity to break into the division’s top 15.
Cannonier, a former title challenger, remained ranked #7 in the weight class, while Rodrigues, a fan-favorite from Brazil, had yet to see a number next to his name in the UFC.
The possibility of a finish was high as Cannonier and Rodrigues stood toe-to-toe off the opening bell. Rodrigues split the guard a couple of times, while Cannonier loaded up on a massive right hand that missed. Cannonier briefly dropped down but that appeared more of a slip. They’d end up clinching along the fence near the midway mark before heading back to center, where Rodrigues went back on the offensive. The Brazilian mixed in a shot to the body, changed levels, grabbed a leg and worked on a takedown, though Cannonier was back up in an instant. Robocop continued to work the body with Cannonier then hemmed in against the cage. Moments later, at distance, a Rodrigues punch sent Jared Cannonier reeling. Rodrigues then went after a guillotine, though Cannonier converted a takedown that didn’t last.
Following a fast-paced round one, it was Jared Cannonier pressing forward early in the second. Rodrigues fired back, but it was Cannonier in the driver’s seat, walking him down, looking to get inside, and adding the odd kick, with Rodrigues answering in kind. Cannonier was also showing excellent head movement, slipping punches. The high pace of round one might have cost “Robocop” as he seemed to have taken his foot off the gas. Cannonier’s jab had also bloodied Rodrigues’ right eye.
Rodrigues would go to the body with a kick later in the round, and Cannonier loaded up on a leg kick. A Rodrigues kick tripped up Cannonier, resulting in a scramble; “The Killa Gorilla” wound up driving Rodrigues into the cage after that.
Round three saw continue to press, mixing kicks in with his attacks. Rodrigues came right back, making things a tad more even than they had been in the second, which had clearly been Cannonier’s round. In the back half of the round, ‘Robocop” turned up the heat, forcing Cannonier into a sloppy takedown attempt. Rodrigues, however, was again showing signs of fatigue. That didn’t stop him from smashing Cannonier, who in turn attacked with an elbow. With 30 seconds to go, Rodriguez looked for a single leg but was too tired to complete it. Moments later, Cannonier connected with an elbow, and Rodrigues went down with Cannonier all over him! Saved by the bell, but it secured the round for Cannonier.
Rodrigues was still hurt to start round four, and Cannonier knew it. He came out hot, ripped the body, swarmed, and landed a few more times as Rodrigues went down! That was enough for ref Herb Dean, who waved off the fight. Clean stoppage win, and a big one for Jared Cannonier, who had entered with a lot of questions due to his age and losing streak.
After the fight, Cannonier admitted to being dropped and noted that “I’d rather die on my feet” than go out on his back.
Official Result: Jared Cannonier def. Gregory Rodrigues by TKO, Round 4, 0:21
