Gregory Rodrigues turned in a gutsy performance earlier tonight (Sat., Sept. 17, 2022) at UFC Vegas 60 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when “Robocop” fought through an all-time worst cut to finish Chidi Njokuani with a second-round TKO (punches).
Both middleweights exchanged heavy leather in the opening round, but it was Njokuani who landed a knee inside that split Rodrigues between the eyes. The cut was so bad that UFC color commentator, Paul Felder, joked that Rodrigues’ nose could “roll off his face.” Surprisingly, the cageside doctor allowed the fight to proceed after a back-and-forth first round.
Rodrigues was given a short leash by the doctor heading into the second, but it didn’t matter. The Brazilian contender was able to gain top control and rained down heavy punches on a defensive Njokuani. More and more punches got through until the referee stepped in and Rodrigues was awarded the stoppage.
Check out the co-main event highlights below and Rodrigues’ gnarly cut above, both courtesy of UFC/ESPN:
WHAT. A. FIRST. ROUND
[ #UFCVegas60 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/igejogNldk
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2022
WHAT A COMEBACK #UFCVEGAS60 pic.twitter.com/lIrFPnZpq4
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 18, 2022
The face of victory #UFCVegas60 pic.twitter.com/hW25tjJAuq
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2022
For complete UFC Vegas 60 results and coverage click here.