Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Daniel Rodriguez may have been filling in on just a few weeks notice earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 15, 2020) at UFC Fight Night 167 live on ESPN+ from inside Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, but that didn’t stop the Octagon newcomer from battering veteran welterweight Tim Means en route to a second-round submission finish (standing guillotine).
Despite his early advancements and veteran experience, Means wasn’t able to do much damage to Rodriguez from the opening bell. It was “D-Rod” who caught Means at the end of the first and had the veteran wobbling back to his corner. In the second, Rodriguez turned it on and landed brutal shots along the cage. Means was hurt and tried to change levels with a takedown attempt, but Rodriguez was there to lock up a suffocating standing guillotine choke that forced “Dirty Bird” to tap.
Check out the submission finish above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
With this performance, Rodriguez not only cashes in on a huge chance to impress UFC brass but he locks down the most impressive finish of his combat career. The 33-year-old prospect looked pretty confident in his Octagon debut and should land another notable name his next time, especially considering the way he ended this fight when the window of opportunity presented itself.
For complete UFC Rio Rancho results and coverage click here.