E. Herman defeats M. Rodriguez (right) in a controversial fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
Mike Rodriguez went from heaven to hell in a matter of seconds on UFC Las Vegas 10, last Saturday (12). The athlete was the victim of Ed Herman's trickery, who simulated an illegal hit, and the mistake of referee Chris Tognoni, who interpreted the move incorrectly. What would have been his victory by knockout, became a defeat by submission (see the video below). However, the athlete does not hold grudges.
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To North American sites MMA Junkie e MMA fighting, 'Slow', as he is known, surprised by asking fight fans who don't agree with the result, not to offend his rival on social media. Rodriguez also revealed what was the only moment of the fight that he regretted and informed that he overcame the episode, because he had an above-average performance, in his opinion.
“It was a strange moment in MMA, but I've gotten over it. It doesn't matter if the result changes, but it's better to have a no contest than a defeat. I have no ill will towards the referee. It was a simple mistake and Herman took advantage. There is nothing wrong with that. Please don't send hate messages or anything like that to Herman. He's a good man. Herman bought time and that was the beginning of the end. He got five minutes for free after being knocked out. It's annoying, but it happens. The only thing I really blame Herman for is putting his feet on the fence when he submitted me. Why would he do that? Herman diminished his own victory. Other than that, there's nothing we can do. What makes me most excited is that everyone liked my performance. That was the only thing I really cared about,” Rodriguez said.
The fighter reported that he was happy to see that Dana White, president of the UFC, was by his side and he also made himself available to fight again, whether against the same Herman or another opponent.
“Dana said I won. I was sitting there upset, the doctors were looking at my shoulder, and suddenly I saw that Dana wasn't happy. I thought I had done something wrong and got scared, but I was relieved when he said that this was one of the worst things he had seen and that he would pay me the bonus for winning. I won! If the UFC wants to repeat the fight, I'll accept it. I'm a good employee. Looking at the record, Herman beat me, but technically, no. If the UFC understands that I won, I will move on. Who is next? Who’s available?”, he concluded.
Mike Rodriguez's controversial defeat in the UFC Las Vegas 10 prevents his rise to light heavyweight (93kg). Previously, 'Slow' had impressed by knocking out Marcin Prachnio, in the first round, in August 2020. The athlete is another one revealed by the Dana White Contender Series reality show, he debuted in the organization in 2018 and competed in six fights.
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