LAS VEGAS – Christian Rodriguez beat Joshua Weems with a first-round submission Saturday to open up the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 213 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Rodriguez, who picked up the first win of his UFC career.
Christian Rodriguez vs. Joshua Weems
Result: Christian Rodriguez def. Joshua Weems via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 4:07
Updated records: Rodriguez (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Weems (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Rodriguez has finishes in seven of his eight wins.
Rodriguez on the fight's key moment
“I knew he was tough, but I knew I was way better. I knew I was way better in my striking, in my grappling. I wasn’t surprised at all.”
Rodriguez on Weems missing weight
“It was a little frustrating, but he took it on four days’ notice so I understand it – coming from a person who’s missed weight, as well. So I wasn’t too worried about it. … When we sign a contract to make a certain weight, we still have to make it. We can go through some hell in fight week, but we still have to make the weight.”
Rodriguez on what he wants next
“Hopefully I can get that Garrett Armfield fight. If not, I was supposed to have Mana Martinez in July, but he pulled out the day after. I’d like to get that one, too. Hopefully (I’m back) in January – nothing too late. I don’t like waiting that much between fights. I like to stay active. I’m young still.”
To hear more from Rodriguez, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 213.
