Picture this: Miami, a buzz of excitement, a crowd that’s more alive than a kindergarten class on a sugar rush. Yair Rodriguez, who’s had a bit of a rough patch lately — you know, losing a few times — got back in the ring and just schooled the heck out of Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. I was thinking, how does a guy nicknamed “Pitbull” get dominated so thoroughly? But hey, it happened. And in a main card fight, too. So, yeah, big deal!
The fight went the full stretch, and Rodriguez was like, “Distance control, baby,” with those kicks of his buzzing like angry bees. Freire just couldn’t get in his rhythm. By the end, even my grandma could’ve figured out who won. No offense to Freire fans, but you know what I mean. Anyway, after the dust settled, Rodriguez was all fired up, talking about promises and title shots. Apparently, he had a chat with some bigwig, Hunter Campbell — yeah, the UFC’s head honcho over business stuff — and got this vague, yet promising, promise. It kind of reminds me of when you ask someone if they’ll go to prom with you, and they say, “Yeah, maybe.” But here, apparently, it was more definite or whatever.
Rodriguez wants his next fight for the big ol’ title to be in Mexico. In Guadalajara, to be precise. Picture it, he says. “September,” he says. Which, you gotta admit, has a nice ring to it. Fighting for the championship on his home turf. Could just be phenomenal. And now I’m thinking about tacos because, oh man, Guadalajara food — but I’m off track. Back to the fight. The thing is, I wondered, watching this guy spilling his post-win guts, why do fighters always want title fights announced right there in the octagon? Is it the adrenaline? Or just the chance to manifest destiny right in front of the fans? Maybe a bit of both, who knows.
But yeah, looking ahead. A new chapter? A title shot actually in his pocket? Only time will spill those beans.
