Middleweights clash at UFC 304 in an exciting clash of styles. British prospect Christian Leroy Duncan takes on Brazilian all-rounder Gregory Rodrigues. This fight could well determine who could make a run at the top 15 at 185 pounds.
Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues
Christian Leroy Duncan is coming off 2 impressive second-round finishes against Claudio Ribeiro & Denis Tiuliulin. After 4 fights in the UFC (3-1 record) Duncan has impressed sufficiently to earn a spot on the main card. Christian is a headhunter who implements a high-pressure striking game and is on the lookout to finish his opponents. This fight will likely result in the winner getting a shot against a top 15-level fighter in the division.
Gregory Rodrigues has a similar appetite for finishes and is coming into this fight off two finishes against Brad Tavares and Tiuliulin. The Brazilian is comfortable wherever the fight goes, but his striking recently caught the eye. Gregory trains his ground game under Jacare Souza and has 4 wins by submission under his belt.
The Fight
Immediately, CLD came out switching stances and feinting, attempting to draw in the Brazilian. Rodrigues failed to bite however, firing back immediately with his own thundering strikes. On the feet Duncan is clearly in his element, implementing hit and move tactics to stay away from Rodrigues’ power. Momentum is soon halted when Rodrigues shoots for a takedown and gets it with little to no resistance. He then implemented heavy top pressure for the rest of the round, using ground and pound to control CLD on the ground.
The opening of Round 2 sees a much more aggressive Rodrigues on the feet. He throws a series of looping hooks, knocking Duncan around. Despite attempts from CLD to fire back, the strength difference is clear. Feeling the power, Duncan initiates a clinch and slows the fight down. A break then sees both men immediately return to swinging, hoping to land a finishing blow. Rodrigues’ relentless striking approach is causing problems for CLD. He continues to fire back at ‘Robocop’, but with little success. Another takedown at the end of the second shows that Rodrigues is in complete control here.
CLD opens the third round with a spinning elbow – despite being bludgeoned, his flashiness remains. ‘Robocop’ uses this elbow attempt to throw Duncan down, with him popping right back up. Staying on the grappling approach, Rodrigues continues to work for a takedown and whilst holding a body-lock on CLD. At this point both men are bleeding profusely from their chaotic striking exchanges. Rodrigues’ works to the back of Duncan and begins working towards a choke – striking occasionally to soften him up. Unable to synch in a choke, the fight ends with Robocop in a dominant position.
When the scorecards were read the winner was clear as Gregory Rodrigues was given 30-27s on all three cards.
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