MEXICO CITY – Octagon newcomer Ronaldo Rodriguez sent the Mexican crowd into a frenzy Saturday when he submitted Denys Bondar at UFC Fight Night 237.
After grappling exchanges occupied much of the first and second rounds of the flyweight bout at Mexico City Arena, Rodriguez (17-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) took advantage of a big moment by taking the back of Bondar (14-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC) on the mat and locking in a rear-naked choke for the tap at the 4:59 mark of Round 2.
Check out the replay of the stoppage below (via X):
Ronaldo Rodriguez picks up the HUGE last-second debut win by submission 💪 #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/oNUQov3Bzr
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 25, 2024
“I’m a warrior in life,” Rodriguez said through an interpreter during his post-fight interview with Paul Felder. “No matter what happens, I am the future. I am 100 percent a Mexican fighter, and I’m going to write my history.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 237 results include:
- Luis Rodriguez def. Denys Bondar via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:59
- Felipe dos Santos def. Victor Altamirano via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Muhammad Naimov def. Erik Silva via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 0:44
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 237.
