In the aftermath of his recent victory over Anthony Hernandez, Gregory Rodrigues has addressed allegations of cheating that surfaced following their five-round middleweight clash at UFC Sacramento. Rodrigues secured a unanimous decision win in what was recognized as the Fight of the Night, but controversy arose when Hernandez accused him of grabbing his gloves during grappling exchanges.
Rodrigues, known as 'Robocop,' spoke with Sherdog about the incident, emphasizing that the glove grab was unintentional. He acknowledged that while he did momentarily grasp Hernandez's glove during the fight, it was a split-second mistake made in the heat of competition. Rodrigues insists that this action did not influence the fight's outcome.
“There was no cheating,” Rodrigues stated firmly. “It happened in the heat of the moment while we were against the fence, and as soon as he pointed it out, I let go. It wasn’t something that stopped a takedown or had any decisive impact on the fight.” His comments highlight his belief that the integrity of the match was maintained throughout.
Despite the accusations, Rodrigues believes that Hernandez understands the situation and recognizes that the glove grab did not alter the fight's result. The two fighters have since encountered each other and even took a photograph together, indicating a mutual respect that transcends the bout.
Rodrigues expressed his admiration for Hernandez, stating, “I have nothing but respect for this guy and I hope we can train together again in the future.” This sentiment reflects a growing camaraderie in the sport, where competitors often develop friendships despite fierce rivalries inside the Octagon.
As Rodrigues looks ahead in his career, he remains focused on his training and future fights, hoping to build on his recent success. The middleweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship is known for its competitiveness, and Rodrigues aims to position himself among the top contenders.
Leave a Comment