He UFC 317, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, He left a time loaded with controversy during one of his most anticipated preliminary fights, which served as a prelude to the tremendous victory of the double champion Ilia Topuria about Charles Oliveira, within the framework of the duel for the belt that Islam Makhachev left vacant in the lightweight division.
In the medium weight fight, the Brazilian Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues won by knockout to the Swedish Jack Hermansson in the first assaultbut the outcome caused strong reactions between fans, commentators and the surroundings of the event.
The fight marked the return of Hermansson, nicknamed “The Joker”who returned to the octagon after 16 months of absence. His last appearance had been in February 2024, when he beat Joe Pyfer. In contrast, Rodrigues arrived more shot, with two recent fighting: a victory against Christian Leroy Duncan and a defeat against Jared Cannonier.
From the beginning, the Brazilian took control of the duel, pressing with powerful combinations, while Hermansson bet on displacement and counterattack. The difference in intensity was evident, and Rodrigues was the one who imposed the rhythm.
Controversy at the UFC 317: Gregory Rodrigues knocked on Hermansson and unleashed a wave of criticism
The climax arrived close to the closing of the first round, when Rodrigues connected an accurate left hook to Hermansson’s chin, which fell unconscious. However, referee Herb Dean delayed his intervention, which allowed Rodrigues to throw a hammer blow on a rival already out of combat.
The scene was quickly indicated as unnecessary in the official transmission. Commentators like Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier They questioned the referee’s delay. Rogan said the additional blow “should not have happened”, and Cormier stressed that Dean “had to protect Hermansson before.”
The Swedish remained several minutes lying on the canvas without reacting. Although he managed to recover and leave the octagon by his own means, he was medically treated and, later, it was reported that he was already stable and had returned to his hotel.
Rodrigues defended his actions: “Until the high sound, I continue”
At the subsequent press conferenceRodrigues faced criticism and justified his actions: “My work is to continue until the referee stops him. I don’t care what others say, we signed a contract for this. If he had hit me in the same way, I wouldn’t bother me.
He added: “I simply did my job. When you enter the cage, sign the contract and we can do everything.” He also pointed out that criticism is not interested: “First of all, I don’t care what people think … but I hope it’s fine. He is a warrior like me.”
On the impact of the result, he added: “After losing against Cannonier, I understood that I should be more patient. Today was different. This triumph is only part of the way.”
With this victory, Gregory Rodrigues already adds eight wins within the UFC and strengthens its position as one of the most promising fighters in the medium weight category. “I’m ready to dominate,” he said after the fight.
For its part, Jack Hermansson It now accumulates two losses and two victories in its last four presentations, which leaves in doubt its projection within a division that becomes more competitive.
Source: Ambito
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