The main event of UFC Fight Night 92 featured one of the hottest prospects in mixed martial arts (MMA). Featherweight up-and-comer Yair Rodriguez (9-1) took on Alex Caceres (12-9, 1 NC).
“Pantera” walked out of Salt Lake City a winner, but it wasn’t easy.
Caceres landed a leg kick to get the fight underway. A leaping punch touched the chin of Rodriguez. “Pantera” threw out a spinning elbow followed by a spinning kick. Caceres ate a head kick. Rodriguez went head hunting, but “Bruce Leeroy” avoided damage. “Pantera” landed a kick kick, but slipped. Caceres grabbed the back of Rodriguez, but “Pantera” rolled and used a leg lock to return to his feet. A right hand connected for Rodriguez and the round ended about 10 seconds later.
The second round began and Rodriguez went for a leaping kick. A spinning wheel kick from “Pantera” missed. Caceres popped Rodriguez with a left hand. A left hand landed for Rodriguez. A series of hard body kicks found the mark for “Pantera.”
The two traded kicks to begin the third stanza. Rodriguez blitzed Caceres and ended it with a knee. Caceres reversed a clinch position and kneed his opponent in the body. A side kick found the target for “Pantera.” A combination landed for “Bruce Leeroy” and he finished with a knee to the body. Caceres looked to get in a rhythm. Caceres was able to earn top control and landed some punches before the round ended.
Rodriguez had his high kicked blocked early in the fourth frame. A leg kick connected for Pantera.” A straight right backed “Bruce Leeroy” up. Caceres landed a knee to the body and then an uppercut. A jab and a left cross landed for Rodriguez. Caceres missed a spinning wheel kick as the round ended.
Rodriguez grabbed a kick and landed a body kick at the start of the final round. Caceres pressed “Pantera” against the fence. A knee on a clinch break connected for Rodriguez. He landed another knee shortly after. “Pantera” landed a side kick to the leg followed by a backfist. Caceres got a takedown, but Rodriguez got back up and scored his own takedown. Caceres scrambled out and the two returned to their feet. Time was called to cut a piece off “Pantera’s” glove. The action resumed quickly. The two exchanged as the final horn sounded.
When the score totals were read, one judge somehow gave Caceres four rounds. The two other judges awarded the fight to “Pantera.”
Final Result: Yair Rodriguez def. Alex Caceres via split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)
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