Gregory Rodrigues opened his third eye towards Chidi Njokuani at UFC Vegas 60 this previous Saturday.
Njokuani linked with a knee within the first spherical that busted open the Brazilian, inflicting him to bleed profusely from the lower between his eyes. The wound was unhealthy, and ‘Robocop’ knew his time within the Octagon might be restricted if there was an intervention from the referee or physician. Fortuitously, Rodrigues was allowed to proceed and delivered a ‘Comeback of the 12 months’ contender after getting Njokuani down and ending him with ground-and-pound for the second-round TKO.
Although he obtained the win, Rodrigues admitted he was in some severe bother after that knee. Fortuitously he for him, he weathered the storm after listening to his nook shout directions to calm him down.
“I used to be dizzy, it was very exhausting,” mentioned Rodrigues (video supplied by MMA Junkie). “I fell, I used to be somewhat like, ‘Man, what occurred?’ After which the blood began to return down and I used to be form of blind, making an attempt to determine what I’m going to do. However, like I mentioned, I wish to say thanks to my nook, my trainers. They did an incredible job.
They began speaking with me, and I used to be like, ‘No, no, no. Let me settle down.’ And I began listening to, ‘Transfer the legs!’ And stuff like that. After which I attempted after which I [went] again, then I assumed, ‘Man, I would like to start out one thing. I would like to start out throwing my bombs, throw my palms to cease him somewhat bit.’ As a result of after that lower, all people goes to be assured, attempt to end the battle. After which I began to throw my palms to point out him I used to be there. I’m nonetheless there and that’s what occurred.”
The Brazilian additionally recounted when he felt Njokuani fading. As soon as ‘Chidi Bang Bang’ slowed down and started respiratory closely within the second spherical, Rodrigues poured on the strain and, as they are saying, the remaining was historical past.
“Once I completed the primary spherical and got here again to my nook, I used to be apprehensive concerning the lower,” Rodrigues admitted. “My nook began [saying], ‘Let’s transfer, let’s begin touching him. He already felt your palms.’ And once we began the second spherical, he was going the identical, making an attempt to strain me, however I mentioned, ‘Man, I have to strain him extra’.
And in a single a part of the battle, I felt he was drained. I felt his breath and it was completely different, and I mentioned, ‘Oh man. I’m the ‘Robocop’ and I’m right here, so now I’m going to kill you.’ After which I began to really feel him, so once I grabbed him towards the cage with the clinch—the takedown I did—I felt his physique was somewhat bit weak after which I took him down and mentioned, ‘Now, I’m going to complete the battle’. After which I did.”
Rodrigues and Njokuani had been awarded ‘Struggle of the Evening’ honors and an additional $50k, which the 30-year-old says was price being sliced open. His spouse, then again, feels in a different way.
“I [have] three eyebrows,” joked Rodrigues. “However I’m OK. I’m completely satisfied. Higher now due to the win. My spouse is just a bit mad, ‘Inform the physician to do an important job. I’ll come again there.’ However he did an important job, man, so I’ll look OK.”
With the win over Njokuani, Rodrigues is now 4-1 within the UFC.
