Rivalries: Gregory Rodrigues

In the grandest of arenas, reputation is a currency earned through triumphs and tribulations. Enter Gregory Rodrigues, a force to be reckoned with, whose name resonates despite a modest seven appearances in the UFC arena. His latest foray into the Octagon against Denis Tiuliulin last August stands as a pinnacle, where Rodrigues transcended even his usual exceptional standards. To understand the essence of Rodrigues' fighting spirit, one must acknowledge the profound love he harbors for the sport. While daily tribulations are a universal constant, "Robocop" distinguishes himself by scripting a legacy of extraordinary comebacks. Each resurgence is a testament to an unflagging persistence, a quality that he brings out when the odds are stacked against him.

His upcoming clash with Brad Tavares, originally scheduled for UFC 283, will now occur on Saturday, at UFC Fight Night 236. With that, we delve into the defining rivalries that have sculpted Rodrigues into the formidable contender he is today.

Brandon Hester

During a pivotal meeting at SMASH Global 9 on Dec. 19, 2019, Gregory Rodrigues engaged in a spectacular battle against Hester that culminated in a breathtaking KO via body kick. Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California, served as the backdrop to that clash, and Rodrigues emerged victorious, seizing the SG middleweight title in the process.

Josh Fremd

Rodrigues secured a thrilling first-round walk-off knockout against Josh Fremd at LFA 108 on May. 21, 2021. The Legacy Fighting Alliance event unfolded at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the Brazilian solidified his status as the LFA middleweight champion.

The showdown reached its electrifying conclusion at the 2:20 mark of Round 1, as Rodrigues unleashed a devastating one-punch finish. The highlight-reel moment was born from a hard straight right hand that found its mark, sending Fremd crashing to the canvas and bringing the fight to an end. In a contest marked by both fighters' willingness to engage in striking exchanges, it was Rodrigues who delivered the decisive blow, showcasing his precision and power.

Dusko Todorovic

Following the victory over Josh Fremd, Rodrigues entered the UFC octagon on a mere two weeks' notice, seizing the opportunity to face Dusko Todorovic at UFC Vegas 28. The Brazilian, coming off a recent first-round knockout in LFA, wasted no time asserting his dominance. Rodrigues consistently landed powerful right hands that found their mark on Todorovic, who, despite his forward motion, struggled to mount an effective defense against the relentless assault.

Rodrigues' left jab, executed with slick precision, set the stage for his powerful right-hand shots, repeatedly connecting with Todorovic's jaw. As the fight progressed, Rodrigues maintained his aggressive approach, testing Todorovic's durability in the process. While Todorovic attempted to rally in the third round, Rodrigues countered with equal intensity. Despite a slight decrease in overall output, Rodrigues continued to land the effective combinations that proved instrumental in securing his victory.

The judges' scorecards echoed the dominance exhibited by Rodrigues, with a unanimous decision of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 in his favor. Post-fight, Rodrigues expressed gratitude for the opportunity and signaled the beginning of a promising journey within the premier MMA organization.

Julian Marquez

Rodrigues delivered a methodical knockout against Marquez at UFC on ESPN 37 in Austin, Texas in June 2022. The finish, which came at the 3:18 mark of the opening round, seemed inevitable once Rodrigues seized control. The Brazilian fighter unleashed a one-two combo, sending Marquez backward. Despite Marquez's attempts to retaliate, Rodrigues maintained unyielding pressure, forcing his opponent to retaliate with a barrage of punches.

With precise timing, Rodrigues delivered a measured right hand that proved decisive. Marquez crumpled to the canvas, unable to withstand the onslaught, marking Rodrigues as the first fighter to finish him and halting Marquez's two-fight winning streak.

Chidi Njokuani

No fight exemplifies Rodrigues' comeback ability more vividly than his dramatic victory over Njokuani. This bout unfolded at UFC Vegas 60 on Sept. 17, 2022, and remains a testament to Rodrigues' resilience. The showdown commenced with Njokuani asserting his kicking range, delivering a powerful knee that left Rodrigues visibly impacted. "Robocop" retaliated with a determination that belied the severity of the encounter. The fight transitioned into the clinch, witnessing Rodrigues weathering solid strikes and enduring a gruesome cut between the eyebrows.

Remarkably, Rodrigues turned the tables with a sudden surge of potent right hands, flooring Njokuani not once but twice. As the brutal encounter extended into the second round, the doctor allowed it to persist despite Rodrigues' ghastly cut. The Brazilian emerged from his corner with a relentless assault, overwhelming Njokuani with ground-and-pound from half-guard, culminating in a sensational second-round knockout victory.