In a highly anticipated matchup at UFC Fight Night Mexico on March 29, 2025, Kevin Borjas faced off against Ronaldo "Lazy Boy" Rodriguez in the main card opener at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. The event showcased the growing talent pool in Mexican MMA, with both fighters eager to make their mark in front of a home crowd.
Ronaldo Rodriguez entered the octagon with a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, having won both of his previous UFC fights. However, the night did not start well for him as he missed weight, coming in one pound over the 126-pound limit. This misstep meant he would forfeit 20% of his fight purse, a tough blow for any fighter, especially in their home country. Despite this setback, Rodriguez was still favored to win, listed at -154 odds against Borjas, who was at +130 according to FanDuel.
Kevin Borjas, on the other hand, was looking for his first UFC victory, entering the fight with a record of 9 wins and 3 losses. He had previously suffered two defeats in the octagon, including a TKO loss to Alessandro Costa and a submission loss to Joshua Van. With his back against the wall, Borjas was determined to turn his fortunes around.
The fight was set to commence at approximately 7:05 p.m. ET, and fans were eagerly awaiting the action. As the fighters made their way to the cage, the atmosphere was electric, with supporters rallying behind Rodriguez, who was accompanied by boxing legend Julio Cesar Chávez, adding to the excitement of the evening.
From the opening bell, Borjas took control of the fight. He quickly demonstrated his striking prowess, sending Rodriguez to the canvas early in the first round. Although Rodriguez managed to recover and get back on his feet, Borjas continued to apply pressure, showcasing his grappling skills and striking accuracy.
Throughout the fight, Borjas executed a game plan that capitalized on Rodriguez's mistakes. He effectively managed the distance, countering Rodriguez's attacks and landing significant strikes that swayed the judges in his favor. By the end of the second round, it was clear that Borjas was in control, using his experience to avoid any risky exchanges.
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Rodriguez struggled to find his rhythm. Despite his best efforts to turn the tide, Borjas's strategy proved effective. He maintained his composure and continued to score points, ultimately leading to a unanimous decision victory.
After the fight, Borjas expressed his relief and excitement at finally securing his first UFC win. "It feels amazing to get this victory in front of my fans," he said. "I knew I had to come out strong and show what I can do. This win means everything to me and my career."
For Rodriguez, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite the disappointment, he managed to leave the octagon with a smile, showing his resilience and determination to bounce back. "I’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger," he stated. "I appreciate all the support from my fans, and I won’t let them down in the future."
The event was a showcase of not just individual talent but also the growing popularity of MMA in Mexico. With former champions like Brandon Moreno and Cain Velasquez paving the way, fighters like Rodriguez and Borjas are stepping into the limelight, eager to carve their own paths in the sport.
As the night continued, the main card featured other exciting matchups, including Brandon Moreno headlining against Steve Erceg, Manuel Torres versus Drew Dober, and Kelvin Gastelum taking on Joe Pyfer. Each fight brought its own drama and excitement, further solidifying UFC's presence in Mexico.
In conclusion, while Ronaldo Rodriguez faced a setback in his career, Kevin Borjas's victory marked a significant milestone for him, showcasing the fierce competition within the UFC. As both fighters look ahead, the future remains bright for Mexican MMA talent, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their journeys.
