Featherweight Christian Rodriguez picked up a career-best victory with a technical submission finish of the hard-hitting Hyder Amil.
A former protégé of the sadly departed coach Duke Roufus, Rodriguez has relocated his training to Las Vegas, where Xtreme Couture has become his home. Head coach Eric Nicksick waxed lyrical on the live broadcast about the qualities Rodriguez brings to the gym. And when he stepped into the Octagon at Meta APEX for his first fight since his former coach’s untimely death, Rodriguez showcased his considerable talents in a superb display.
MORE: Christian Rodriguez Breaks Down His Win Over Amil
Rodriguez clearly saw a path to victory via head kick, and after a few attempts narrowly missed the target, he hit the jackpot later in the round to drop Amil. Rather than admire his work, Rodriguez followed his man to the mat and locked up a guillotine choke to render Amil unconscious.
It was an emphatic showing from “CeeRod” and marked the start of a new chapter in his career in a new city, in a new team, with a new coach. Coach Duke would have been proud.