After a star turn at UFC 306, also known as Noche UFC, last year, Mexico’s Ronaldo Rodriguez has been flying high.
“Lazy Boy” has seven straight wins, dating back to a loss on the Contender Series in 2020. He’s 2-0 inside the UFC to start his career, with the flyweight returning this weekend at UFC Mexico City — his second time fighting at Arena CDMX for the company.
“I’m feeling very happy, feeling very blessed with everything that has been going on with me, and the opportunity I’ve had,” said Rodriguez (17-2), explaining during his UFC Mexico City media session that it comes down to more than wins and losses. “This is not just about winning fights, this is about the opportunity to change my life, to change the life of my family, to be able to get my mom off of work, and to be a very present father as well. And to be with my wife. I think this goes way beyond winning fights and training to win fights.”
Rodriguez was a breakout star at Noche UFC following his victory over Ode Osbourne. To some, the flyweight’s star turn might have come as a surprise. Not so much to Ronaldo Rodiguez himself; he did expect the attention and success to come at some point.
“The success, yes. Because this has been a byproduct of so much work, so many years. I have worked and I have dedicated myself to this for so many years, to keep going. You know what I’ve been through, I’ve fought for this my entire life and I’ve dedicated myself,” he explained. “Like everyone knows, we’re Mexicans, and nothing gets gifted to us. This is earned, and we go through a lot of things to get what we need. So yeah, I think the success that I’ve gotI— didn’t expected it to be that quick, but yes I expected this level of success.”
Rodriguez had hoped for a co-main event spot, but he’s happy with his placement on the UFC Mexico City card, where he fights Kevin Borjas, overall. And ultimately, the fight moves him along in his journey, which he believes will end with gold.
“Getting close to the title, that’s what I want to do. Getting closer to a title. I don’t know how long it’s going to take and I don’t know how many fights it’s going to take to get there. It may take time,” stated Rodriguez. “Experience comes with time, and with this time and the experience I’m getting, I know that I’m going to be champion. I already feel like a Mexican champion, the only thing missing is a belt, and I will get that chance.”
Watch the full UFC Mexico City media day appearance by Ronaldo Rodriguez above.
