Daniel Rodriguez has the biggest victory of his MMA career, finishing Octagon’s flagship Santiago Ponzinibio in the third round of the UFC Des Moines collision.
Things gotten more intense after a slightly late start in the opening round, after Rodriguez rocked Ponzinibio during the exchange. A smell of blood in the water, Rodriguez seemed to go in and finish things up. But for Ponzinibio’s achievements, he survived the storm and fought back enough to make it from the round.
Perhaps Ponzinibbio, who learned his lessons in the first round, appeared to do his wrestling and film multiple takedowns. After six attempts, he finally took Rodriguez to the mat, but by then he hadn’t had enough time to do substantial things with it.
With the fight likely tied up two times later, Rodriguez came out and landed a large left hand during an early exchange that crashed Ponzinibio onto the canvas.
The referee immediately stepped in to stop the match. Ponzinibbio came right away and appeared to protest the halt, but by then it was too late.
Official Results: Daniel Rodriguez def. Santiago Ponzinibbio (left hand) Round 3 1:12 via TKO.