Christian Rodriguez Hands Austin Bashi First Career Loss at UFC Vegas 100
Christian Rodriguez lived up to his “prospect killer” reputation by defeating rising star Austin Bashi at UFC Vegas 100. The highly anticipated matchup saw Rodriguez outwork the previously undefeated Bashi, handing him the first loss of his professional MMA career.
Christian Rodriguez Shines Against Austin Bashi
Austin Bashi entered UFC Vegas 100 as a promising prospect, with high expectations after an undefeated start to his career. However, Christian Rodriguez, known for halting the momentum of young fighters like Raul Rosas Jr. and Cameron Saaiman, proved why he’s earned that reputation.
The fight kicked off with Rodriguez catching Bashi off-guard with a knee strike during an early exchange. Although briefly stunned, Bashi regained composure and pushed for a takedown. Rodriguez defended well, using slick scrambles to regain his feet and force Bashi into open space.
The pressure from Bashi was relentless, but Rodriguez stayed composed. At one point, Bashi latched onto Rodriguez’s back in an attempt to secure control, but Rodriguez defended brilliantly and escaped. In response, Rodriguez unleashed a flurry of strikes, including sharp knees and crisp combinations, forcing Bashi to reset.
In the second round, Austin Bashi continued his aggressive approach, constantly pushing forward and initiating takedown attempts. Rodriguez remained calm and showed exceptional balance, slipping out of dangerous positions. When Bashi managed to secure clinches, Rodriguez’s scrambles and defensive grappling made it difficult for the prospect to establish control.
Despite Bashi’s impressive chain wrestling, Rodriguez capitalized on his striking advantage, landing precise punches and well-timed knees. Bashi’s persistence led to a few successful takedowns, but he struggled to keep Rodriguez grounded.
Rodriguez Seals the Win in Round Three
The final round saw Bashi attempt to pick up the pace with a front kick that transitioned into a takedown attempt. While it was a smooth sequence, Rodriguez’s defense held strong. As Bashi’s energy faded, his takedown attempts became more predictable. Rodriguez took advantage, landing powerful strikes and staying on his feet.
With his cardio holding up, Rodriguez closed the fight on a high note, showcasing his superior experience and adding a bit of showmanship in the final seconds. The judges’ unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) confirmed Rodriguez’s victory.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
