Don’t expect Gregory Rodrigues to change his style for his first five-round UFC fight.
Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC) takes on former title challenger Jared Cannonier (17-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 251 (ESPN+) headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Rodrigues has blitzed through plenty of opposition with his furious style, resulting in five of his seven UFC wins coming by knockout. He plans on fighting the same way – even though he may have to last two extra rounds.
“Sometimes people, when they get five rounds, they like to change everything,” Rodrigues told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “No, man. Of course, I did my work, I prepared myself for the five rounds. I already fought three rounds, so now I have an extra two rounds.
“My pace is always going to be high, and I think that’s one of my advantages, and I think Jared can’t handle it. I will put my pressure, put my game, and look for the best opportunity to finish this fight in my way.”
Heading into his 10th UFC fight, “Robocop” is right where he wants to be as he looks to enter the upper echelon of the middleweight division with a win over Cannonier.
“I believe the pace was amazing,” Rodrigues said. “When I made my debut in the UFC, I want to do my solid foundation, then I can build it on top, so that’s going to be my 10th fight in the UFC, and that’s the perfect time for a fight like that. I’m ready for it spiritually, mentally and physically. This is the right moment that’s come at the right time, and I’m excited. I was just making sure I’m 100 percent ready, and I am.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Gregory Rodrigues: Jared Cannonier won’t be able to handle my pace at UFC Fight Night 251
