Top-level middleweights collide as the UFC returns to the ever-reliable but always unpopular Apex for UFC Vegas 102.
Jared Cannonier is a battle tested veteran with a UFC tenure spanning across three different weight classes. Now weeks away from 41 years of age and on a two fight skid many wonder could this weekend close his chapter in the sports premiere promotion. The losses suffered have been to the top echelon of the 185lbs division and in his last six bouts he has picked up three bonuses. Write off the American at your own peril as his power has followed him all the way from heavyweight and he still packs one almighty punch.
Across the octagon stands a menacing Brazilian in a rich vein of form aiming to capitalise on the aging former contender. Gregory Rodrigues brings a beautiful brutality to every performance with five knockouts in seven UFC wins. Furthermore, hidden away in his back pocket is a wicked BJJ game we are yet to see in full effect in the UFC. His last bout at UFC 304 showed a wealth of experience as he put on a clinic against hungry British talent Christian Leroy Duncan. This will be his toughest test by far and in his very first main event, it is a massive moment in the career of Rodrigues and if he passes he will skyrocket up the middleweight rankings.
Ones To Watch
In the co main there is another former contender defending his ranking due to his recent poor form. Calvin Kattar has been a mainstay at the top of the 145lbs division for many years but his results of late have not been great. On a three fight losing streak he is in jeopardy of plummeting down the featherweight rankings. At UFC 300 he was stifled by Aljamain Sterling in a dull fight losing a decision. Prior to that a couple of unfortunate defeats in 2022 to Arnold Allen and Josh Emmett. Gunning for his ranking is Youssef Zalal now in his second stint in the UFC. 2024 was a sensational year for Zalal with three consecutive submission wins on his return to the top promotion. His original UFC tenure ended with 3-3-1 but the Moroccan now looks completely reinvigorated and raring to claim his sport in the featherweight rankings.
UFC Vegas
Main Card
Middleweight – Jared Cannonier vs Gregory Rodrigues
Result: Cannonier def. Rodrigues via TKO (right hooks) Round 4 0:21
Highlights:
Featherweight – Calvin Kattar vs Youssef Zalal
Result: Zalal def. Kattar via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
Highlights:
Middleweight – Edmen Shahbazyan vs Dylan Budka
Result: Shahbazyan def. Budka via TKO (right hand and punches) Round 1 1:35
Highlights:
Lightweight – Ismael Bonfim vs Nazim Sadykhov
Result: Sadykhov def. Bonfim via TKO (doctor stoppage) Round 1 5:00
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Middleweight – Rodolfo Vieira vs Andre Petroski
Result: Petroski def. Vieira via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
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Prelims
Featherweight – Jose Delgado vs Connor Matthews
Result: Delgado def. Matthews via KO (elbows) Round 1 2:58
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Women’s Strawweight – Angela Hill vs Ketlen Souza
Result: Hill def. Souza via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
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Flyweight – Rafael Estevam vs Jesus Aguilar
Result: Estevam def. Aguilar via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
Highlights:
Welterweight – Gabriel Bonfim vs Khaos Williams
Result: Bonfim def. Williams via Submission (D’arce choke) Round 2 4:58
Highlights:
Bantamweight – Vince Morales vs Elijah Smith
Result: Smith def. Morales via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
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Heavyweight – Don’Tale Mayes vs Valter Walker
Result: Walker def. Mayes via Submission (heel hook) Round 1 1:17
Highlights:
Women’s Bantamweight – Julia Avila vs Jacqueline Cavalcanti
Result: Cavalcanti def. Avila via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
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