New York, NY — Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues was sporting a t-shirt with an image of his namesake at Wednesday’s UFC 322 media day.
His appearance this week in New York is, depending on how you look at it, just another step along the way for the popular middleweight, or a milestone moment. For Rodrigues, “it was an honor for me, but I know with everything that has been done, I earned this position,” he said while speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. “And the UFC knows it. But I’m so happy to be here, on the biggest stage in the world. All the legends. And now I’m going to put my name on there as well.”
A former LFA champion, Rodrigues has five post-fight bonuses since joining the UFC in 2021. Two have come in his last two bouts; this Saturday at UFC 322, it’s Roman Kopylov in his crosshairs at the famed Madison Square Garden.
“It’s a good match-up for me. It’s a super-important step in my career. I take it with joy, and I’m really happy to be here, stated Rodrigues, later adding that “I hope he comes with everything he has, because I’m going to put everything I have, and we’re gonna see who’s the best.”
Rodrigues is a finisher. Kopylov is no stranger to finishes himself, but rather than a brawling, explosive style, tends to be more elusive, working at angles. On the stylistic differences, Rodrigues suggested that “I think he’s gonna run and I’m gonna hunt him, that’s gonna happen.” He added that “I like his style. He’s smart, and a little bit smarter in the fight. He has the speed, but I think I have the timing. It’s going to be a good match. I respect him, I think he’s a warrior, but I’m ready for everything.”
Another post-fight bonus brewing for Gregory Rodrigues, perhaps.
Watch the full UFC 322 media day appearance by Gregory Rodrigues above.
