Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight sluggers Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues will go to war TONIGHT (Sat., Feb. 15, 2025) inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC Vegas 102.
This is Cannonier’s sixth straight main event slot, but unfortunately, the 40-year-old knockout artist has lost three of his last five. Though he hasn’t been beaten by anyone but the best, the pressure is on here for Cannonier to turn away a younger opponent and prove he’s still an elite Middleweight.
And definitely not a gatekeeper.
Conversely, it’s a big opportunity for Rodrigues, who remains unranked despite a three-fight win streak. “Robo Cop” has proven himself a very fun fighter to watch, but tonight, he has a chance to suddenly become a relevant player in the 185-pound mix.
Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25872835/2163998768.jpg)
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Cannonier vs. Rodrigues Betting Odds
- Jared Cannonier victory: +190
- Jared Cannonier via TKO/KO/DQ: +2800
- Jared Cannonier via submission: +650
- Jared Cannonier via decision: TBD
- Gregory Rodrigues victory: -230
- Gregory Rodrigues via TKO/KO/DQ: +100
- Gregory Rodrigues via submission: +550
- Gregory Rodrigues via decision: +500
- Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
How Cannonier Wins
Cannonier reinvented himself by moving down to 185-pounds. Suddenly, his cardio was vastly improved, his takedown defense was greatly benefitted by his strength and size, and that punching power still remained.
This is a fairly straightforward match up for Cannonier, who undoubtedly wants to keep this fight on the feet. Generally, he’s the crisper striker with better setups, particularly at distance. Rodrigues thrives in crazy brawls, but Cannonier will hold a distinct advantage in a more technical kickboxing match.
Cannonier has the better range tools here, namely his piston jab and heavy calf kick. If he can use his footwork to maintain range, it’ll help him avoid takedowns while doing damage at distance. Rodrigues is not a passive fighter; he’ll push forward and give Cannonier opportunity to land hard counters if he’s being picked apart.
How Rodrigues Wins
Rodrigues is a savage. He throws in good combination with serious power, can score powerful takedowns in the clinch or along the fence, and is a legitimate jiu-jitsu black belt. That adds up to a lot of offense, which is why “Robocop” is such a dangerous finisher.
Once more, the strategy is fairly clear here. Rodrigues doesn’t want a technical kickboxing match versus Cannonier, but he also cannot afford to brawl wildly. Intelligent pressure is the name of the game, as Rodrigues wants to enter into the pocket in as safe a manner as possible then unleash his big swings.
Cannonier is historically a difficult man to wrestle, but Rodrigues should still be attacking with takedowns. A single successful shot could drastically change the fight, and even if he cannot drag Cannonier down, wrestling a bit can still benefit him. He could use takedowns to finish combinations and avoid counters, or shoot and then break away with strikes. Either way, Rodrigues has to take advantage of his more rounded skill set and refuse to give Cannonier the kind of kickboxing match he generally prefers.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25872857/2163822780.jpg)
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Cannonier vs. Rodrigues Prediction
A couple years ago, this is an easy Cannonier pick. Back then, “Killa Gorilla” was still at the height of his power, whereas Rodrigues was still struggling to figure out how to employ his full skill set.
We’ve hit something of a crossroads here. Cannonier has taken a ton of damage in his last two fights and is finally starting to look his age a bit, having shown a bit of fatigue in recent losses. Rodrigues, on the other hand, is looking better and more put together in each appearance. He’s also a monstrous physical force with a serious will to win, so even if Cannonier is sharp early, a knockout is far from guaranteed.
Rodrigues is good enough to make it a scrap, and wars of attrition usually favor the younger man.
Prediction: Rodrigues via knockout (+100)
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 102 fight card right here, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 7 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To check out the latest and greatest UFC Vegas 102: “Cannonier vs. Robo Cop” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.