Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues: The Main Event at UFC Vegas 102
On the night of February 15, UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, played host to a highly anticipated main event showdown between Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues. The fight, which aired live on ESPN+, was a testament to the grit and determination of both fighters. Cannonier, known for his relentless style and powerful strikes, faced off against Rodrigues, a formidable opponent with a strong presence in the octagon. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric as the crowd eagerly awaited the final outcome.
Round 1: Rodrigues Shows His Dominance
The first round saw both fighters out in orthodox stance, with Cannonier taking the center early. However, Rodrigues quickly established his dominance by testing the waters with calf kicks, though they initially missed by a wide margin. Rodrigues, nicknamed "Robocop," then landed a pair of impactful kicks, followed by a powerful right hand. Cannonier, trying to assert himself, managed to land his own right hand, but Rodrigues continued to apply pressure with his heavy strikes. The dynamic was clear: Rodrigues was the aggressor, and Cannonier was on the back foot.
Rodrigues’ dominance continued as he dropped Cannonier with a right hand. Cannonier, however, quickly recovered and shot for the takedown, but Rodrigues grabbed his neck. Cannonier managed to move up and maintain the clinch, and Rodrigues attempted a knee but lost his balance. Despite this, Rodrigues managed to get back up and maintain pressure, working against the fence and unloading on Cannonier. Cannonier, looking to regain his footing, eventually took Rodrigues down against the fence, but Rodrigues promptly popped back up. The round ended with both fighters in the clinch, but it was clear who had the upper hand. MMA Fighting scored the round 10-8 in favor of Rodrigues.
Round 2: Cannonier Finds His Rhythm
The second round presented a new dynamic as the big question on everyone’s mind was whether Rodrigues could maintain his pace. To the surprise of many, Rodrigues looked fresh and immediately put a right hand on Cannonier. Cannonier, however, came out more active and aggressive, showing a newfound urgency. Although Rodrigues landed a big right hand, Cannonier continued to advance, gradually gaining momentum.
Cannonier’s low kicks began to pay off, landing almost at will and weakening Rodrigues’ lead leg. Despite a good left hook from Rodrigues, Cannonier’s confidence grew. The mid-round was marked by a series of jabs from both fighters, but Rodrigues’ strikes lacked the same power as the first round. Cannonier, capitalizing on this, continued to chip away at Rodrigues’ legs and body. A kick from Rodrigues sent Cannonier down, but Cannonier quickly broke free and hit Rodrigues back. By the end of the round, Cannonier looked fresher and more in control. MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 in favor of Cannonier, bringing the overall score to 29-28 Rodrigues.
Round 3: The Fight Heats Up
The third round saw Rodrigues looking a bit more refreshed at the start, but Cannonier was determined to set the pace. Rodrigues held the center and started firing back, not letting Cannonier run away with the fight. Both fighters used their jabs extensively, with Rodrigues landing a right hand and a left hook. Rodrigues, who appeared to be bleeding from under his eye, started advancing more, and the round was up for grabs with two minutes left.
Rodrigues managed to get Cannonier against the fence and started unloading, but his hands began to drop. Cannonier, sensing an opportunity, met him with a series of powerful strikes. Rodrigues attempted a single leg takedown, but Cannonier defended well. A good elbow from Rodrigues had Cannonier backing up, and Rodrigues pressed his advantage. However, Cannonier landed a nasty elbow that sent Rodrigues down. In the waning moments, Cannonier pounced with big shots, and Rodrigues was saved by the bell. The round was a turning point, and MMA Fighting scored it 10-9 in Cannonier’s favor, leveling the overall score to 28-28.
Round 4: The Comeback Begins
The fourth round was crucial, and it became evident early on that Rodrigues was still feeling the effects of Cannonier’s previous strikes. Cannonier came out with renewed fire and had Rodrigues against the fence in serious trouble right from the start. Rodrigues, visibly hurt, had nothing left to give as a body shot from Cannonier dropped him against the fence. Cannonier followed up with a series of devastating strikes, and the ref stepped in to stop the fight at 0:21 of the fourth round.
This dramatic turn of events showcased Cannonier’s resilience and ability to adapt during the fight. Despite being dominated in the early rounds, Cannonier’s strategic use of low kicks and his ability to capitalize on Rodrigues’ fatigue made the difference. The crowd erupted in excitement as Cannonier celebrated his hard-fought victory. It was a testament to his fighting spirit and technical prowess, and a turning point in his UFC career.
The Aftermath: A Testament to Grit and Strategy
The aftermath of the fight was a mix of emotions. Cannonier, known for his intense and often brutal style, walked away with a significant win, demonstrating his capability to overcome adversity. Rodrigues, despite his strong start, fell short in the end, highlighting the importance of pacing and strategic planning in a fight. Both fighters showed immense skill and determination, but Cannonier’s ability to adapt and capitalize on Rodrigues’ weakening defense proved to be the key to his victory.
Cannonier’s performance also earned him praise from fans and critics alike. His methodical approach and powerful strikes in the final round were a display of his growth and evolution as a fighter. For Rodrigues, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but it provided valuable lessons for his future fights. The bout served as a reminder that even the most dominant fighters can be overcome with the right strategy and timing.
Highlights and Key Moments
The fight was full of memorable moments, from Rodrigues’ early domination to Cannonier’s dramatic comeback in the fourth round. Key highlights include Rodrigues’ powerful right hands and calf kicks in the first round, Cannonier’s strategic use of low kicks and jabs in the second round, the intense clinch work and exchanges in the third round, and finally, Cannonier’s decisive body shot that ended the fight in the fourth round. These moments not only made for exciting viewing but also underlined the tactical and physical challenges each fighter faced.
The complete fight video highlights, courtesy of multiple outlets, provide a detailed look at the action and the evolution of the fight. They showcase the back-and-forth nature of the bout and the pivotal moments that ultimately led to Cannonier’s victory. Whether you watched the event live or are catching up on the highlights, this fight is a must-see for any MMA enthusiast.
