Featherweight Christian Rodriguez derailed another UFC prospect's hype train in his debut fight in 2025.
Christian Rodriguez, nearly two years after ending Raul Rosas Jr.'s undefeated streak, faced another undefeated prospect in Austin Bashi to kick off the UFC for 2025. The featherweight fight on the main card of UFC Vegas 101 was highlighted during the UFC CEO Dana White's favorite match ahead of the event.
Rodriguez, who had previously knocked out two other undefeated prospects during his UFC tenure, faced another tough test in Bashi at UFC Vegas 101. It was his second featherweight fight since making the full-time move from bantamweight following a major weight loss in October. 2023.
Facing another talented Dana White's Contender Series standout in Bashi, considered by many to be a potential future defending champion, Rodriguez stole the spotlight from another candidate to get back in the win column to start 2025.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Christian Rodriguez takes out the third undefeated player in the UFC career
It was a rough performance from start to finish for Rodriguez, who repeatedly struggled to his feet against talented wrestler Bashi. He beat Bashi to the punch and gave his opponent a rough first taste of fighting under the UFC spotlight.
After three rounds, the judges' scorecards gave Rodriguez the unanimous decision over Bashi, who dropped his first professional fight. As for Rodriguez, the win was a nice turnaround after a featherweight loss to veteran Julian Erosa in his last Octagon appearance.
Leading up to UFC Vegas 101, Rodriguez had a history of derailing several hype trains while competing in the UFC Octagon. His most stunning victory came against Rosas at UFC 287, when he overcame the odds to control the former DWCS signee en route to a decision victory.
Christian Rodriguez derails Austin Bashi's immense hype train
Rodriguez defeated another top contender, bantamweight Cameron Saaiman, despite a big weight loss ahead of UFC Vegas 81. He would make the full-time move to featherweight after the weight cut debacle.
As for Bashi, the talented 23-year-old will look to bounce back from his first setback in the cage. He made his UFC debut against Rodriguez after a second-round submission against Dorian Ramos at DWCS last year.
Bashi enjoyed stints in Lights Out Championship and Shamrock FC before eventually catching the attention of the UFC matchmakers. He will look to bounce back the same way Rosas did as Rosas is undefeated since the loss to Rodriguez.
If you're a top player preparing to face Rodriguez, especially for your first fight, don't overlook the challenge he presents. Rodriguez is set for a torrid start to 2025 as he looks to inch closer to the featherweight Top 15.
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