Rodriguez (17-3) missed weight on Friday morning the day before the event coming in a pound heavy. He went onto lose the catchweight fight against Kevin Borjas before heading off to the hospital.

 

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A post shared by Ronaldo ” Lazy Boy “ Rodríguez (@lazyboy.ufc)

“Thank you Red Cross for the excellent service. I really appreciate it,” Rodriguez wrote in the caption.

“Had some complications related to my weight cut, but we’re good. My wife Nina Medina is taking care of me.”

The loss to Borjas snapped a two-fight UFC win streak, and a 7-fight win streak dating back to 2020 with promotions such as LUX and iKon.

Rodriguez posted on his Instagram account photos documenting the weight cut and you can see that it was a pretty rough one for Lazy Boy.

 

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A post shared by Ronaldo ” Lazy Boy “ Rodríguez (@lazyboy.ufc)

“We lost and they shut me up, but we always get back up,” he wrote on this post above.

His opponent, Borjas, encouraged his opponent in a reply on the post.

“Con todo mi bro,” he wrote encouraging Rodriguez to ‘give it his all’.

No word as to what’s next for Lazy Boy, but with Noche UFC set for Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, it’s tough to see the UFC passing up on adding Rodriguez to the card.

The post Ronaldo Rodriguez Reveals Post-UFC Mexico Hospital Trip appeared first on Cageside Press.

In the co-main event, Drew Dober was stopped by Manuel Torres. And in the main event, former UFC flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno, pulled off a well-fought unanimous decision. It was nearly a clean sweep for Mexican fighters on the main card with the only loser being Ronaldo Rodriguez. Ronaldo also has the pleasure of being the only fighter on this edition of losers that isn’t on a three-fight losing streak.

Steve Erceg

Steve Erceg lost a unanimous decision to Brandon Moreno in the main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday.  Erceg has now lost three fights in a row stemming from his unsuccessful title shot against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 last year. Tough break for Erceg as he started his UFC career off red hot, winning three fights in about nine months.

Erceg entered the bout as the #8 ranked flyweight while his opponent entered ranked at #2. Steve needs to slow down a bit. The UFC through him right into the deep end after his three-fight win streak. Well Erceg sank. It’s time to take a step back and give him a lot more manageable of a fight.

Erceg should fight Tim Elliot in his next fight. Elliot is a tenured fighter that is currently ranked at #11 in the UFC’s flyweight division. Tim might be 38 years old, but he has won three of his last four fights. Elliot was last in action in December of 2023 with his performance bonus winning submission of Sumudaerji. Elliot was matched up with Tatsuro Taira last May but withdrew from that bout. This would be a great scrap as Tim is such an awkward fighter that always pushes the pace.

Erceg’s next fight: Tim Elliot 

Drew Dober

Manuel Torres stopped Drew Dober in the opening round of the co main event Saturday. Dober is now on a three-fight losing skid. Drew has lost four of his last five fights and been stopped in three of those. It’s been a rough 13 months for Dober who took to X (formerly known as Twitter) after the bout, to hint that he could potentially be taking a little bit of time off until his next fight.

With that in mind, Dober’s next fight can’t be a rapidly ascending prospect. A fight against Claudio Puelles could make sense. The 28-year-old is 5-3 with the UFC but is on a two-fight losing streak. The submission specialist was finished by Dan Hooker in 2022 and dropped a split decision to Fares Ziam in his most recent bout last February. Claudio has three kneebar submission finishes in his UFC career thus far. Dober has faced serious striking threats in his most recent bouts so this could be a welcome change of pace.

Dober’s next fight: Claudio Puelles

CJ Vergara

Edgar Chairez submitted CJ Vergara in the first round of their bout with a rear naked choke. With the loss, Vergara has now lost three fights in a row. And Vergara has now been finished twice in a row in the first round.

Obviously in a weight class like flyweight (where ranked fighters have been cut), Vergara is in real danger of being released. Vergara needs a good showing in his next bout.

CJ should fight the loser of Ode Osbourne vs Luis Gurule. That fight is going down on April 5th, so the timing is perfect. Luis Gurule is a 10-0, 31-year-old, 2024 Contender Series alumni. The LFA and Fury FC veteran earned a contract from a split decision victory over Nick Piccininni last year. Ode Osbourne is 4-6 with the UFC since coming off the Contender Series in 2019. Ode has lost his last three fights and was stopped in two of them. Depending on how that fight goes, the loser could be in a very similar position as Vergara. If Ode loses this has the potential to be a wild striking battle but either way the bout would be a high stakes scrap.

Vergara’s next fight: Loser of Ode Osbourne vs Luis Gurule

Vince Morales

The UFC’s golden boy, Raul Rosas Jr. snagged a unanimous decision victory opposite of Vince Morales on Saturday at UFC Mexico City. Morales is now riding a three-fight losing streak in his second stint with the UFC. Morales was with the UFC between 2018 and 2022 going 3-5 in his first stint with the promotion.

The 2018 Contender Series alum is now 3-8 with the UFC. Morales is in danger of losing his roster spot. It makes sense for him to take on another guy in a similar position. Vince should fight Saimon Oliveira in his next fight. Oliveira also fought on UFC Mexico City and is in a very similar position to Morales.  Stylistically, Morales has threats while both standing and on the ground. Hes a fighter that has fought for a few flagship promotions and taken on some high-level competition. A scrap vs Saimon would be entertaining as the loser would likely be sent packing.

Morales’s next fight: Saimon Oliveira

Saimon Oliveira

Saimon Oliveira was stopped in the opening round of his bout against UFC debutant, David Martinez, on the main card of UFC Mexico City. With the loss, Saimon is now 0-3 with the UFC. It’s worth noting the 2021 Contender Series alum has faced some solid competition during his tenure, his other losses coming to Tony Gravely and Daniel Marcos. Despite this fact, Oliveria is undoubtedly on the short list to be cut.

Oliveira’s next fight should be against Vince Morales. Vince fought in the fight following Oliveira’s on Saturday. Oliveira hasn’t shown it yet in the UFC, but he looks to be something of a submission specialist. This fact could make for a fun and unpredictable fight against Vergara. One thing is for sure, this fight would be action packed as two Contender Series alum fight for their spot on the UFC roster.

Oliveira’s next fight: Vince Morales

Ronaldo Rodriguez

Ronaldo Rodriguez lost a unanimous decision to Kevin Borjas to open the main card of UFC Mexico City Saturday. “Lazy Boy” missed weight ahead of what was his first loss in seven fights. Rodriguez had not lost since his 2020 appearance on the Contender Series to Jerome Rivera. Ronaldo is now 2-1 with the UFC.

What a momentum destroying appearance for Ronaldo. Between the loss, the weight miss and the fact that he was a favorite, it was definitely his worst fight with the promotion. Rodriguez has a couple different plays here: He could take on another prospect like Rei Tsuruya (who also suffered his first loss with the promotion recently). Or he could take a step back a face a guy like Daneil Barez. Daniel is a 2021 Contender Series alum who is 1-2 in his UFC career. Barez last fought earlier this month, when Andre Lima submitted him in the final round of their bout.

High risk, high reward, fighting a guy like Rei as he’s very skilled but still doesn’t have much of a name within the promotion. Rei’s most recent fight was also earlier this month when he lost a unanimous decision to Joshua Van (who is now ranked at #14 at FW). For that reason, a fight against Daniel Barez makes the most sense at this point for Rodriguez. A win, especially in an impressive fashion would get “Lazy Boy” right back on track.

Rodriguez’s next fight: Daniel Barez

The post What’s Next: UFC Mexico City Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

The fight kicked off the night’s slightly altered main card, which had suffered a hit when illness forced Joe Pyfer to withdraw from a fight with Kelvin Gastelum.

With massive crowd support on his side, Rodriguez started pressing the action throwing a wheel kick as Borjas retreated. Rodriguez looked extremely explosive early landing a kick to the body before Borjas landed a flush right hand that send Rodriguez tumbling backward. A successful backflip by Rodriguez from the floor landed him back on his feet. Borjas started to open up with his boxing after his big right hand and kept finding a home for the punch over the top. With a minute third left in the first round, Borjas landed a straight right that scored him another knockdown. Rodriguez attempted a takedown against the cage but almost ate a flying knee on the entry. Securing a takedown against the fence was not enough to win Rodriguez the round, after getting dropped twice.

To start the second Rodriguez threw a head kick that missed, as Borjas circled away. Rodriguez attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful, eating a right hand moments after. The chin of Rodriguez was on full display during this one as Borjas repeatedly hurt the Mexican prospect with his slick boxing. It seemed as Rodriguez path to victory was taking the fight down, but he was unable to get his opponent to the floor through the first four minutes of the round. Some creative kicking techniques from Rodriguez threatened Borjas, but didn’t land significantly. Through ten minutes Borjas was landing the more damaging blows and successfully defended against four of Rodriguez five takedowns.

Ronalado pressed the action to start the third and landed a left hook. Knowing he needed a finish, Rodriguez marched forward but was repeatedly getting caught by the straight punches of Borjas. this was the most competitive round of the contest, with both fighters having landed 21 significant strikes through three and a half minutes. With a minute left Borjas landed another straight right that snapped back the head of his opponent. Borjas pointed to the ground, signaling for the two to stand and trade. Both fighters slugged it out until the final bell, in a fight that seemed to be in favor of Borjas. After three rounds the judges scored the contest a unanimous decision victory for Kevin Borjas.

This was one of the biggest wins of Borjas career, earning a victory in enemy territory against a prospect with a significant amount of hype. Borjas showed respect to the Mexico City crowd and his opponent Ronaldo Rodriguez in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. With the upset snapping a two fight losing streak, Borjas got a much needed win in his UFC career.

Official Result: Kevin Borjas def. Ronaldo Rodriguez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

The post UFC Mexico City: Kevin Borjas Pulls Off Upset, Notches First UFC Win Against Ronaldo Rodriguez appeared first on Cageside Press.

“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.

The post UFC Mexico City’s Ronaldo Rodriguez Knew Success Would Come in Time appeared first on Cageside Press.

The night was designed to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, while doubling as the promotion’s September PPV, with two title fights set for later in the evening.

Rodriguez in particular was pumped by the admittedly stunning visuals inside The Sphere on Saturday, but had to get down to business in short order. Unfortunately, he was on the business end of an Osbourne right hand, and was nearly finished by a couple of follow-up punches. One of those might have brought Rodriguez around following the knockdown/near finish, but he then had to contend with an Osbourne triangle. That was tight, and Osbourne added elbows off his back, but Rodriguez gutted it out and pulled free, finally ending up in guard.

Improbably, Rodriguez survived the round. However, he had to contend with a slick Osbourne guillotine off a takedown early in the second, with Osbourne rolling into it. Rodriguez would survive and take the back, however, then get on top and land some smashing elbows. A scramble saw Osbourne free himself, but Rodirguez would end up on top, in mount. A Rodriguez choke failed when Osbourne turned into it, but the Mexican still had Ode tied up, a near miracle given how close he’d come to being finished in round one.

At the end of the round, it was Osbourne transitioning to the top, landing a big punch or two in a fight that could only be described as absolutely wild.

Considering the grueling pace and damage both men had endured through the first ten minutes, both looked quite chipper to start round three. Rodriguez would land a left hook towards the two minute mark, putting Osbourne on the defensive. Rodriguez started spamming his right hand, and then had to fend off an Osbourne takedown off a rather sudden shoot. A counter left landed for Rodriguez off an Osbourne 1-2. Another takedown attempt, and this time they went to the mat, Osbourne on top. Rodriguez went after a kimura off his back, and used it to regain his feet.

Ode Osbourne would shoot for another takedown in the final minute, with Rodriguez stuffing the attempt. He went looking for a choke, and wound up on top when Osbourne fell to his back. With 15 seconds to go in a close round, Rodriguez started dropping punches and elbows, going to the final bell in a wildly entertaining main card opener.

Official Result: Ronaldo Rodriguez def. Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

The post UFC 306: Ronaldo Rodriguez Survives Knockdown, Defeats Ode Osbourne in Wild Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

“To be honest I didn’t even know who he was. I sparred him actually at Xtreme (Couture) about three weeks before we got announced to fight,” Osbourne told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.

“As a professional I messaged him and I was like ‘hey man I just got a call that they want me to fight you and I’m sure you got the same call as well. What do you think? Do you want to take it? Whatever you decide I respect’.”

Osbourne (12-7) got a response from Rodriguez rather quickly.

“He’s like, ‘I think it’d a great opportunity for the both of us.’ And I was like let’s do it. Thank you. I got nothing but love and respect for ‘Lazy Boy’ to be honest. He’s a cool dude. I like him actually,” he said.

“I’ve actually traded messages with him to come train with me before we got announced to fight. I got nothing but love and respect, but don’t get me wrong. I am the ‘Jamaican Sensation’. Anytime you see me in the octagon you already know man.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Ode Osbourne above. He takes on Ronaldo Rodriguez at Noche UFC on Saturday night.

The post Ode Osbourne Messages Ronado About Their Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

The two have sparred in the past and Osbourne has expressed having respect for Rodriguez.

“I hope he doesn’t think that we’re friends,” Rodriguez told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.

“In the cage I’m going to try to rip his head off. It’s business.”

Rodriguez (16-2) is all business in the cage on Saturday, but it’s undeniable that the young Mexican is taking it all in during Noche UFC fight week. A hat custom made to represent his home of Veracruz, and some very stylish shoes given to him with the words, ‘Viva Mexico’ on the back.

“They’re cool, right? Check them out! They say ‘Viva Mexico’!,” he said putting his foot in the air so reporters could see the shoes.

Ultimately it’s about a fighting and Rodriguez is prepared for a war.

“Brother, I guarantee I’ll put on a show. You know why? Because I have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. I come from nothing. I have everything to gain and that’s why I’m so dangerous. I have nothing to lose.”

“Whoever they put in front of me must be prepared to die,” he said.

Watch the entire media day scrum with Ronaldo Rodriguez above. He takes on Ode Osbourne at Noche UFC on Saturday night.

* Partly translated by Cageside Press

The post Ronaldo Rodriguez: “I have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.” appeared first on Cageside Press.

“Yes, for sure. A lot of learning, a lot of experiences that were physical, emotional and spiritual,” he said. “The time is perfect [now] – we’re ready for this.”

Of course it wasn’t all smooth sailing after his first failed attempt. In fact, Rodriguez spent a year off after the Contender Series due to things outside of his control.

“I had an injury that kept me out for a year. After that, I had missed enough time – so I just kept busy fighting for my dreams,” he shared.

And that wasn’t his only layoff in that time. Following a five-fight undefeated run on the Mexican regional scene, he took nearly another full year off before getting this chance at UFC Mexico City. The reason behind that was far more within his control though.

“I was just waiting for this opportunity to come through,” Rodriguez said. “I had run through all the competitors here in Mexico, so I was just waiting for a call.”

Now having learned from the hard times and paying his dues on the over a 17-fight professional career, he’s ready to make good on his next big chance. He’ll get UFC veteran Denys Bondar for his first first shot within the company, and he knows the time is right to make a big statement.

“The first thing that came to my mind was I’m going to knock him out,” he said. “More specifically, Februrary 24th, I’m going to rip his head off.”

He’ll get that chance to make good on that prediction this Saturday at UFC Mexico City. That card begins at 7pm EST on ESPN+.

The post UFC Mexico City’s Ronaldo Rodriguez: The Time is Perfect appeared first on Cageside Press.