Rodolfo Vieira suffered, but did enough to overcome Robert Bryczek by unanimous decision on Saturday night (26), during the penultimate preliminary fight of UFC Vegas 121, in a duel valid for the middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg). With the result, the Black Belt Hunter ended the sequence of two consecutive defeats and breathed a sigh of relief in the biggest MMA organization in the world.
Rodolfo Vieira overused diving tackles.
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By Unanimous Decision – Rodolfo Vieira is taking home a #UFCVegas121 victory!
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— UFC (@ufc) September 26, 2026
Rodolfo wasted no time and managed to take the fight to the ground in the opening seconds of the bout. Showing his technique, the world jiu-jitsu champion transitioned to mount and began using short punches to create opportunities. After briefly giving up his back, the Pole got back to his feet, only to be taken down again, this time against the cage. Vieira took his back and resumed working punches on a worried Bryczek. At this pace, the first round came to an end.
The fight followed the same script in the second round. With takedown attempts against the cage, the Brazilian gave the European no room to develop. However, Robert was already showing better takedown defense in the second half of the round. Despite this, he had a cut on his forehead. At this moment, Rodolfo landed an illegal knee strike, which gave Bryczek time to recover from the physical exertion up to that point. After several minutes of rest, he went on the offensive with several punches, only for the action to be interrupted by more takedown attempts from the Black Belt Hunter.
With his guard down and showing little respect for the Brazilian's striking, Bryczek came back aggressively in the final round, but was repeatedly hit by low kicks, even going to the ground. Very calmly, Vieira managed to defend most of the punches while standing and slowed the fight down again by trapping his opponent against the cage. The two disentangled, and after a few seconds of the Pole looking for the knockout, the Brazilian returned to a chain wrestling game until the end of the fight. At the end of regulation time, all judges scored it 30-27 in favor of the Brazilian.
UFC Vegas 121 results
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Raul Rosas Jr. defeated Raoni Barcelos by knockout (injury) at 1:38 of round 5.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ailin Perez defeated Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Luis Hernandez defeated Sedriques Dumas by submission (guillotine choke) at 0:57 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ilimbek Akylbek defeated Mahammadali Osmanli by disqualification (illegal knee strike with opponent on the ground) at 2:19 of Round 1 – TUF Final
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Tina Black defeated Melissa Amaya by technical knockout (punches) at 3:19 of round 2 – TUF Finale
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Brady Hiestand defeated Rinya Nakamura by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:07 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Rodolfo Vieira defeated Robert Bryczek by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light Heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Christian Edwards defeated Rodolfo Bellato by technical knockout (left cross and punches) at 1:47 of round 3.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Elves Brener defeated Josiah Harrell by knockout (right cross) at 4:14 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Montel Jackson defeated Ricky Simon by technical knockout (punches) at 2:39 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Alateng Heili defeated John Castaneda by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Yazmin Jauregui defeated Vanessa Demopoulos by technical knockout (punches) at 1:2 of round 1.
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