MEXICO CITY – Octagon newcomer [autotag]Ronaldo Rodriguez[/autotag] sent the Mexican crowd into a frenzy Saturday when he submitted [autotag]Denys Bondar[/autotag] at UFC Fight Night 237.
After grappling exchanges occupied much of the first and second rounds of the flyweight bout at Mexico City Arena, Rodriguez (17-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) took advantage of a big moment by taking the back of Bondar (14-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC) on the mat and locking in a rear-naked choke for the tap at the 4:59 mark of Round 2.
Check out the replay of the stoppage below (via X):
Ronaldo Rodriguez picks up the HUGE last-second debut win by submission 💪 #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/oNUQov3Bzr
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 25, 2024
“I’m a warrior in life,” Rodriguez said through an interpreter during his post-fight interview with Paul Felder. “No matter what happens, I am the future. I am 100 percent a Mexican fighter, and I’m going to write my history.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 237 results include:
- Luis Rodriguez def. Denys Bondar via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:59
- Felipe dos Santos def. Victor Altamirano via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Muhammad Naimov def. Erik Silva via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 0:44
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 237.