UFC Vegas 102 returned to the promotion’s newly-renovated APEX venue this past weekend (Sat., Feb. 15, 2025) in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving several fighters feeling the post-fight blues. Among them was Calvin Kattar, who suffered his fourth straight loss after coming up short against Youssef Zalal (full recap here).
And Dylan Budka, who was knocked out by Edmen Shahbazyan in just less than 90 seconds (see it again here). But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the show?
Coming into the event, “Robo Cop” was looking for that signature win inside the Octagon that would finally propel him into the Top 15. After all, he was on on a three-fight win streak (five of his last seven inside the Octagon) and a victory over a former 185-pound title contender — in his first-ever UFC main event — should have done the trick.
And things started off well for the hard-hitting Brazilian, who towered over his opponent, using his reach and power to drop him on two separate occasions in the first round. But, that’s not where his success ended, finding his range in rounds two and three before getting dropping in the final seconds of the third frame.
Once the fourth round started, so did his demise, as Cannonier put his foot on the gas pedal, unloading a barrage of combinations that dropped “Robo Cop” and forced referee Herb Dean to rightfully intervene.
It’s a tough blow for “Robo Cop,” who was just one more victory away from snatching Cannonier’s No. 7 Middleweight seed. In addition, that signature win is still proving elusive, forcing him to start from scratch after working so hard to get this opportunity.
Not all is lost for Rodrigues, though, who can take the opportunity to learn from the experience and use it as motivation to fix the kinks in his game. After all, that’s the only way he’ll get over that hump in the road.
As far as what could be next for Rodrigues, perhaps a showdown against fellow Brazilian powerhouse, Paulo Costa, is in order. Costa is currently mired in one of the worst skids of his career, losing two straight (four of his last five overall). Despite his woes, Costa — the former 185-pound title contender — is still ranked No. 11 and can be a nice notch on anyone’s belt.
He’s done with “point fighting,” too.
If Rodrigues can get a win over Costa, it would give him the confidence he needs to start another streak. On that note, it would also be a great opportunity for Costa to put an end to his woes.
And since both men love to stand-and-bang, this one could be fireworks.
For complete UFC Vegas 102 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
