UFC 304: Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues: Live round-by-round updates
Surging middleweight prospects Christian Leroy Duncan and Gregory Rodrigues square off in a thrilling showdown that is sure to have the fans on their feet at UFC 304. The event is set to go down on July 27 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
Duncan seems to have regained lost ground, collecting consecutive stoppage wins following the first loss of his career against Armen Petrosyan. Most recently, he picked up a second-round TKO victory over Claudio Ribeiro.
Rodrigues enters the fight with a 6-2 mark under the UFC banner, having earned consecutive stoppage victories over Denis Tiuliulin and Hawaiian veteran Brad Tavares. With an 87% finish record in his triumphs, the Brazilian is armed with a formidable killer instinct.
UFC 304 will stream on ESPN+ on Saturday, July 27, starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues:
Round 1
Duncan goes straight to work with feints and stance switches. He's trying to open up with the jabs but a big left-hand connection from Rodrigues draws his attention. Short punches land for both fighters in the brief clinch. Rodrigues takes down Duncan with plenty of time to work in the round. Short elbows from side control as Rodrigues tries to work his way into a submission. The elbows have secured the intended outcome with a significant swelling popping on Duncan's forehead. He tries his best to get back to his feet but Rodrigues' experience shines through.
Our Score: 10-9 Rodrigues
Round 2
A counter combination and stinging left hands from Rodrigues push Duncan onto the back foot. An extended clinch exchange ensues with both fighters trying to establish their footing. They swarm with wild exchanges on the break only for Rodrigues to spring into action with a takedown attempt. A judo throw from the Brazilian almost puts Duncan flat on the back before the referee steps in to break the action. Wild punches were exchanged in the pocket. This is an absolute firefight as Rodrigues gets the better of the exchanges with more sting behind his attack. He takes down Duncan to punctuate another solid round for him.
Our Score: 10-9 Rodrigues
Round 3
Duncan opens up with an inside leg kick. He recognizes that he needs to keep the fight in range but Rodrigues closes distance skillfully. He scoops Duncan to slam him to the ground but the UK fighter springs right back up. Short shoulder strikes from clinch lands for Rodrigues and Duncan peppers back with short rabbit punches. Rodrigues takes Duncan's back with over a minute to work for a finish. The Brazilian polishes the setup for the rear naked choke but Duncan defends with vigor.
Our Score: 10-9 Rodrigues
Official Result: Gregory Rodrigues defeats Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27.