Yair Rodriguez’s first finish in the UFC was certainly worth the wait.
It’s time to start believing the hype, because we saw a new level from Pantera at UFC 197.
Rodriguez (7-1) improved his UFC record to a pristine four wins in as many fights with a stellar knockout victory over Andre “Touchy” Fili in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Rodriguez secured the takedown in the first round and looked like his gameplan was to ground and pound his way to victory. However, in the second stanza the highly touted prospect showed why there’s so much hype surrounding him with a devastating finish.
The Mexican featherweight sent Fili crashing down to the canvas in a heap by cracking his opponent in the head with a leaping head kick. Fili’s lights were shut off almost instantly when Pantera’s shin made contact with his and referee Dan Miragliotta was swift to step in and call an end to the fight at the 2:15 mark.
