Gregory Rodrigues’ Ascent Halted by Jared Cannonier’s Comeback at UFC Vegas 102, What’s Next for ‘Robocop’?

In a thrilling main event at UFC Vegas 102, Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues (16-6) suffered a devastating fourth-round TKO loss to veteran contender Jared Cannonier (18-8). The bout showcased Rodrigues’ explosive power early on but ultimately highlighted Cannonier’s resilience and experience.

JARED CANNONIER KNOCKS OUT GREGORY RODRIGUES IN ROUND 4!!!!!! #UFCVegas102 pic.twitter.com/h9hT1ZmIUi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 16, 2025

Rodrigues started the fight with a bang, dropping Cannonier twice in the opening round with powerful strikes. The Brazilian’s aggressive approach seemed to have Cannonier on the verge of defeat. However, the tide began to turn in the second round as Cannonier weathered the storm and found his rhythm.

As the fight progressed, Rodrigues’ output noticeably decreased, allowing Cannonier to gain momentum. The veteran fighter capitalized on this shift, landing a devastating elbow in the third round that visibly rocked Rodrigues. The Brazilian managed to survive to the fourth round, but Cannonier wasted no time in the final frame, securing the TKO victory just 21 seconds in.

This loss marks a significant setback for Rodrigues, snapping his three-fight win streak and halting his climb up the middleweight rankings. Despite the defeat, Rodrigues’ early success against a top-10 opponent proves he belongs among the division’s elite.

As Rodrigues looks to bounce back from this setback, here are three potential opponents that could make for exciting matchups:

Andre Muniz

A bout against fellow Brazilian Andre Muniz would pit two skilled grapplers against each other. Muniz, known for his submission prowess, would present a unique challenge for Rodrigues. Both fighters are looking to reestablish themselves in the middleweight rankings, making this an intriguing matchup that could determine who takes a step forward in the division.

Paul Craig

Paul Craig would be an intriguing matchup for Gregory Rodrigues as he looks to bounce back from his loss to Cannonier. Craig, known for his dangerous submission game, has been making waves in the middleweight division since moving down from light heavyweight. A bout between Rodrigues and Craig would pit Rodrigues’ powerful striking against Craig’s grappling prowess, creating an exciting stylistic clash. This matchup would test Rodrigues’ ground defense while giving him an opportunity to showcase his knockout power against a crafty veteran. A win over Craig would help Rodrigues regain momentum and potentially earn him a spot in the middleweight rankings.

Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez Loser

The loser of the upcoming bout between Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez could serve as an intriguing matchup for Gregory Rodrigues. Both Allen and Hernandez are highly skilled middleweights ranked in the UFC’s top 15. A fight against either would provide Rodrigues with an opportunity to bounce back against a quality opponent and potentially re-enter the rankings. The stylistic matchup would be compelling, as both Allen and Hernandez possess well-rounded skill sets that would test Rodrigues in all areas of MMA. This fight could easily headline a Fight Night card or feature prominently on a pay-per-view event.

Despite the setback against Cannonier, Gregory Rodrigues remains a dangerous and exciting fighter in the UFC’s middleweight division. His power and aggressive style make him a threat to anyone in the weight class. As he looks to rebound from this loss, a matchup against any of these three opponents would provide Rodrigues with an opportunity to showcase his skills and prove he belongs among the division’s elite.

The coming months will be crucial for Rodrigues as he aims to get back into the win column and resume his climb up the middleweight ladder. With his potential and the exciting matchups available, fight fans can expect to see “Robocop” back in action sooner rather than later, ready to make another run at the top of the division.