Dana White’s Contender Series: Imanol Rodriguez vs Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. Preview & Prediction
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Flyweights kick off Week 9 in what is sure to be a high paced encounter, with TUF alum, Imanol Rodriguez, taking on Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr.
Imanol Rodriguez vs Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. facts
What time are Imanol Rodriguez and Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. expected to walk out?
Where is DWCS – Season 9, Week 9 taking place? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
What TV channel is DWCS – Season 9, Week 9 on? UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream DWCS – Season 9, Week 9? UK – UFC Fight Pass / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
DWCS – Season 9, Week 9 card
Magomed Zaynukov vs Lucas Caldas (Lightweight)
Adrian Luna Martinetti vs Mark Vologdin (Bantamweight)
Rafael Pergentino vs Luke Hernandez (Light Heavyweight)
Donavon Hedrick vs Luis Felipe Dias (Middleweight)
Imanol Rodriguez vs Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. (Flyweight)
Imanol Rodriguez: Can "Himan" right the wrongs of TUF 33 and earn a contract?
Bowing out at the semi-final stage of TUF 33 by unanimous decision, many thought that Imanol Rodriguez (5-0) had done enough to earn the nod over eventual winner, Joseph Morales. At just 25 years of age, "Himan" looks to be an exciting prospect with slick boxing and impressive stopping power for a flyweight. The Mexican mixed martial artist has only seen a second round in his career twice, boasting a 100% finish rate outside of his exhibition rules defeat to "Bopo."
Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr.: The Brazilian finisher looks to make the jump to the UFC after an impressive run on the regional circuit
Winning belts in multiple promotions during his time on the South American regional scene, Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. (10-2) arrives on the Contender Series in search of his shot at the big leagues. While he seems to possess a well-rounded skill set, the 25 year old Brazilian flyweight notably has some serious power for the 125 pound weight class, boasting eight knockout victories to his name. He's also fought solid levels of competition throughout his career to date, arguably more so than Rodriguez.
Imanol Rodriguez vs Roque Conceicao Moreira Jr. prediction
Both of these men look to be solid flyweight prospects. They're both finishers who have fought decent levels of competition in their young careers to date.
On paper, it's easy to lean towards Roque Junior. While he's the same age as his opponent, the Brazilian's twelve professional fights means that he has more than double Rodriguez's experience and cage time. He's a dangerous finisher with knockout power, and at 5'4, he's also the slightly bigger man in this 125 pound matchup.
However, surviving the first round with Rodriguez will likely be easier said than done. "Himan" typically comes out like a wrecking ball, a fight style that has allowed him to overwhelm multiple opponents early with sheer aggression. He hits extremely hard for the weight class and was arguably unlucky not to get the nod over Joseph Morales on TUF, a loss that has aged well in the aftermath of "Bopo's" win in the finale.
Whatever the out come, this is likely to be a barnburner while it lasts. Last, it will not.
Prediction: Fight will not go the distance
