Tag: Gregory Rodrigues

Gregory Rodrigues set for first UFC headliner against former title challenger Jared Cannonier

Gregory Rodrigues gets his first UFC main event slot opposite former title challenger Jared Cannonier in February.

[autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag] will headline a UFC event for the first time in February against former title challenger [autotag]Jared Cannonier[/autotag].

The UFC Fight Night 251 event on Feb. 15 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas will host the middleweight main event. MMA Junkie confirmed the matchup with two sources with knowledge of the booking following a first report from MMA Mania. The people requested anonymity because the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is on the best run of his UFC career as a winner of three straight fights. “Robocop” enters his first main event opportunity following stoppage wins of Denis Tiuliulin and Brad Tavares, which preceded a unanimous decision win vs. Christian Leroy Duncan.

Cannonier (17-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) will look to end a two-fight skid and start 2025 on a high note in his sixth consecutive main event. In 2024, Cannonier lost both of his fights: a fourth-round TKO loss vs. Nassourdine Imavov and a Fight of the Night unanimous decision loss vs. Caio Borralho. Prior to those setbacks, Cannonier was working his way back to another title shot with back-to-back wins over Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori.

With the addition, the current lineup on Feb. 15 includes:

  • Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues
  • Edson Barboza vs. Steve Garcia
  • Carli Judice vs. Juliana Miller
  • Jacob Malkoun vs. Rodolfo Vieira
  • Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov
  • Gabriel Bonfim vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov
  • Jose Delgado vs. Connor Matthews
  • Billy Ray Goff vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
  • Dylan Budka vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Belal Muhammad & Tom Aspinall’s UFC 304 title wins, UFC on ABC 7 preview, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses UFC 304, previews UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi and much more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • The UFC welterweight division has a new king. [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] in a dominant decision win in the main event of UFC 304. This is a big shake up for the division. Who should be Muhammad’s first challenger? Where does Edwards go from here? We discuss.
  • In the co-main event of UFC 304, [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] retained his UFC interim heavyweight title by stopping [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] in just 60 seconds. Did Aspinall prove he’s the best heavyweight on the planet? How does this result impact the expected title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic? We break down the Englishman’s win, along with the state of the heavyweight division.
  • Aside from Muhammad and Aspinall’s wins, there were other important results at UFC 304. [autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag] viciously submitted veteran [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag][autotag]. [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] continued his unbeaten run, but may have seen his UFC career come to an end. [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag],[autotag] Nathaniel Wood[/autotag] and [autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag] picked up important wins. We discuss it all.
  • UFC on ABC 7 goes down Saturday, and the UFC has brought many impressive matchups to Abu Dhabi. From its main event in [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag], to [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]’s return, the panel previews all the action.
  •  Beyond UFC 304 in Manchester and the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi, there has been plenty of news since the last Spinning Back Clique episode. We highlight the biggest headlines to close out the show.

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UFC 304 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall lead with $42,000

Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall fetched maximum $42,000 payouts under the Promotional Guidelines Compliance for entering UFC 304 with belts.

MANCHESTER, England – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 304 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $307,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 304 took place at Co-op Live. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC 304 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag]: $42,000

[autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]King Green[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Giga Chikadze[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Nathaniel Wood[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Daniel Pineda[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Bruna Brasil[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Jake Hadley[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Caolan Loughran[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Oban Elliott[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Preston Parsons[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Modestas Bukauskas[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Marcin Prachnio[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Sam Patterson[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Kiefer Crosbie[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Mick Parkin[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Lukasz Brzeski[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Shauna Bannon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Alice Ardelean[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $4,575,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $27,312,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 results: Gregory Rodrigues outgrapples a bloodied Christian Leroy Duncan

Gregory Rodrigues proved to be too big of a step up for Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304.

[autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag] proved to be too big of a step up for [autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag] at UFC 304.

Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC) landed heavy blows and multiple takedowns on Duncan (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) to win a unanimous decision on Saturday. The middleweight bout was part of the UFC 304 main card at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

In Round 1, Rodrigues charged with a flurry and connected early. He kept Duncan on the backfoot. Duncan landed a leg kick, followed by a body kick, but Rodrigues proceeded to take him down. Duncan tried to reverse, but Rodrigues maintained firm control to outgrapple him in the opening five minutes.

Rodrigues landed big shots to kick off Round 2, prompting Duncan to initiate the grappling. They exchanged positions in the clinch before Rodrigues landed an uppercut on the break. Rodrigues went back to the clinch, but struggled to take Duncan down. The referee broke up the position as the pair started phone-booth brawling. A Rodrigues knee caused a big hematoma on Duncan’s head as he took him down at the end of the round.

Duncan attempted multiple spinning back elbows but was taken down early in Round 3. He returned to his feet quickly and started working for his own takedown. The pair clinched against the cage until Rodrigues got his hooks in for a rear-naked choke attempt.

Rodrigues, who stepped in on short notice, called for a ranked opponent next. “Robocop” has now won three straight, and five of his past six fights.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 304 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Gregory Rodrigues’ unanimous decision win over Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag]’ unanimous decision win over [autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag] at UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. (Photos by Ben Roberts, Getty Images; UFC; MMA Junkie)

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC 304

Christian Leroy Duncan gets a big stage to make a statement. Can he come through against “Robocop” at UFC 304?

[autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag] and [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 61-54-3

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues UFC 304 preview

Duncan (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has people excited after winning three of his first four UFC fights. He’s coming off back-to-back finishes of Denis Tiuliulin and Claudio Ribeiro. … Affectionately known as “Robocop,” Rodrigues (15-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will also enter on the strength of back-to-back finishes.

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues UFC 304 expert pick, prediction

I can see why everyone is so excited about the prospects of Duncan given that he has all the classic attributes everyone from gamblers to pundits pop for: flashy offense, undeniable swagger and a long, athletic frame and look that many automatically associate/conflate with skills ceiling.

Although I’m leaving the door open to be pleasantly surprised in regards to Duncan (who is still developing, mind you), this might be one of those spots where I have to see it before I believe it.

Duncan appears to smartly be working on key areas like his boxing and wrestling given that his natural offensive kicking flows often lead him into this area anyways. However, I suspect that those sensibilities could be dangerous given that Rodrigues is the superior wrestler and submission grappler by a country mile.

Add in the fact that Rodrigues is the more proven product who packs some serious heat, and I can’t help but side with “Hobocop” in this spot.

The pick is Rodrigues by rear-naked choke in Round 2.

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues UFC 304 odds

Duncan is listed as a slight favorite at -110, with Rodrigues coming back at +130, according to DraftKings.

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues start time, how to watch

Duncan and Rodrigues are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 10:45 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Feb. 13: ‘Robocop’ Gregory Rodrigues making noise at middleweight

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC 297 in Toronto.

The UFC’s Apex events typically do not involve a lot of ranked fighters these days, but there were a few movements after last week’s event.

UFC Fight Night 236 was headlined by a middleweight bout between Jack Hermansson and Joe Pyfer. Entering the event, Hermansson held the No. 15 spot, and remains in place after picking up a win over the unranked Pyfer.

On the undercard, [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag] turned in an impressive performance, stopping Brad Tavares in the third round. “Robocop” takes an honorable mention slot in this week’s update.

At strawweight, [autotag]Loma Lookboonmee[/autotag] defeated Bruna Brasil, rising up from the honorable mentions to claim the No. 15 spot.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.

Gregory Rodrigues focused on making run for UFC middleweight title: ‘I want to be the king of this division’

Gregory Rodrigues feels he’s en route to the UFC middleweight title.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag] thinks he’s entering a new phase in his career, and one that can take him all the way to the UFC title.

Rodrigues (15-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) picked up a third-round TKO win over longtime contender Brad Tavares (20-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) on the UFC Fight Night 236 main card Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It was his second straight victory and likely the biggest name he’s beaten so far in his three years with the UFC.

The Brazilian is unsure what will come next, but he expects for it to be a big opportunity.

“If you see the way Dricus Du Plessis did, he started with Brad, and he did his job to get to the title,” Rodrigues told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 236 post-fight press conference. “I don’t know what the UFC is going to offer me, but I’m happy with everything they do, and they do a good job, but I already showed I belong at the top.

“My goal is to be the champion of this division. I want to be the king of this division. I’m going to take my time, and I believe the UFC already sees that, and they’re going to offer me good things.”

Rodrigues didn’t call anyone out specifically, and said he trusts the UFC will give him a jump up in competition.

As far as the win itself, Rodrigues thinks he’s reaching certain levels in his fighting career that he hasn’t reached before.

“In eight fights, I saw how I improved myself inside the octagon,” Rodrigues said. “”I feel comfortable when I’m inside that cage, and especially when I fight guys like Brad, who have a lot of experience. A fight is a fight. Numbers and experience – of course he can use that. But that’s not everything, and I see more of myself putting me in a good position right now. I’m so grateful.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 236.

UFC Fight Night 236 post-event facts: Rodolfo Vieira claims record with another arm-triangle choke

Check out all the facts from UFC Fight Night 236, which saw Rodolfo Vieira become the all-time octagon leader in arm-triangle choke wins.

The UFC’s lengthy stretch of events rolled on Saturday with UFC Fight Night 236 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

[autotag]Jack Hermansson[/autotag] (24-8 MMA, 11-6 UFC) emerged victorious in the main event when he scored an upset of [autotag]Joe Pyfer[/autotag] (12-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) by unanimous decision in their middleweight bout.

For more on the numbers from the headliner, as well as the rest of the card, check below for MMA Junkie’s post-event facts from UFC Fight Night 236.

UFC Fight Night 236 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Multiple veterans net max non-title money

UFC Fight Night 236 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 236 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $236,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 236 took place at the UFC Apex. The entire card streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 236 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Jack Hermansson[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Joe Pyfer[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Dan Ige[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Andre Fili[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Robert Bryczek[/autotag]: $4,000
[autotag]Ihor Potieria[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Darrius Flowers[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Rodolfo Vieira[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Armen Petrosyan[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Trevin Giles[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Bolaji Oki[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Tim Cuamba[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Loma Lookboonmee[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Bruna Brasil[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Marcin Prachnio[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Devin Clark[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Max Griffin[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Jeremiah Wells[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Bogdan Guskov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Zac Pauga[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Hyder Amil[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Fernie Garcia[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Daniel Marcos[/autotag]: $4,000
vs. [autotag]Aori Qileng[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2361 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $850,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $23,557,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 236.