Daniel Rodriguez exited UFC on ABC 6 with a constructive mindset, but additionally the thought his battle would’ve gone in a different way if opponent Kelvin Gastelum fought at welterweight.
The bout befell at middleweight fairly than welterweight after Gastelum confirmed up chubby for battle week and requested for the swap. Rodriguez, together with the UFC, negotiated new phrases with Gastelum. Nonetheless, Rodriguez in the end misplaced the bout by unanimous choice at Kingdom Area in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“That’s why there’s weight courses,” Rodriguez wrote on his Instagram story after the battle.
Rodriguez additionally posted a pair of selfie movies. Throughout the first, Rodriguez identified Gastelum’s robust cardio, one thing he hypothesized wouldn’t have been an element had the reduce to welterweight transpired.
“So, sh*t didn’t actually go my manner. It’s the battle sport,” Rodriguez mentioned. “That sh*t occurs. I took the chance. There’s no manner I used to be going to return all the best way out right here and never battle. I assure if that battle was at 170 kilos, he wouldn’t have had the vitality to take me down. He wouldn’t have been as robust. And he wouldn’t have been in a position to take most of my punches. I ain’t going to dwell on it and sh*t. I thugged it out and saved it G. I repped the town and I can’t wait to return residence. Shout out to all of the followers. Y’all some actual ones. To my household and my children, I can’t wait to return residence. I miss you guys and I’m going to bounce again. F*ck it.”
Shortly thereafter, Rodriguez posted a second video with a extra upbeat strategy, the place he voiced the positives that got here from the expertise regardless of the loss. He revealed that he acquired a brand new contract with a pay bump forward of the battle, plus acquired 30 p.c of Gastelum’s purse.
“All proper, y’all. I’m completed complaining in regards to the battle. F*ck it. It occurred,” Rodriguez mentioned. “I knew the chance. With the chance, got here nice rewards. I misplaced the battle however I gained a lot extra in return: a ton a respect from the battle group, a pleasant increase, six-fight contract, 30 p.c of his f*cking (purse). I can’t even be mad. Yeah, I needed the win however I would like a lot extra ultimately. I knew the chance. I took it, placed on a hell of a present. The followers love me. I like y’all. My children are proud. My household is proud. I misplaced however I gained. F*ck it. I can’t wait to get residence from the airport and love life child. Let’s go.”
Rodriguez, 37, has misplaced three-straight fights. It’s unclear what his subsequent transfer is. As for Gastelum, he’s gained two of his most up-to-date three. UFC CEO Dana White voiced disappointment in Gastelum’s pre-fight habits throughout a post-fight information convention.
Gallery
UFC on ABC 6: Greatest photographs from Saudi Arabia
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ABC 6.
Be sure you go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.