Featherweight Christian Rodriguez derailed another UFC prospect’s hype train in his 2025 debut fight.
Christian Rodriguez, almost two years to the day after ending Raul Rosas Jr.’s undefeated run, faced another unbeaten prospect in Austin Bashi to kick off the UFC’s 2025 slate. The featherweight bout on the UFC Vegas 101 main card was highlighted at UFC CEO Dana White‘s favorite clash ahead of the event.
Rodriguez, who had previously taken down two other undefeated prospects during his UFC tenure, faced another tough test in Bashi at UFC Vegas 101. It was his second featherweight fight since making the full-time move up from bantamweight after a bad weight miss in Oct. 2023.
Facing another talented Dana White’s Contender Series standout in Bashi, considered by many as a potential future titleholder, Rodriguez stole another prospect’s spotlight to get back in the win column to begin 2025.
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Christian Rodriguez takes out third undefeated prospect in UFC career
It was a gritty performance from start to finish for Rodriguez, who managed to repeatedly work his way to his feet against the talented wrestler Bashi. He outlanded Bashi on the feet and gave his opponent a rough first taste of fighting under the UFC spotlight.
After three rounds, Rodriguez got the unanimous decision nod on the judges’ scorecards over Bashi, who dropped his first professional fight. As for Rodriguez, the victory was a nice pivot from a featherweight defeat to the veteran Julian Erosa in his last Octagon appearance.
Leading up to UFC Vegas 101, Rodriguez had a history of derailing several hype trains while competing in the UFC Octagon. His most stunning win came against Rosas at UFC 287, when he overcame the odds to control the former DWCS signee en route to a decision victory.
Christian Rodriguez derails Austin Bashi’s immense hype train
Rodriguez defeated another top prospect, bantamweight Cameron Saaiman, despite a bad weight miss leading up to UFC Vegas 81. He would make the full-time transition to featherweight following the weight-cutting debacle.
As for Bashi, the talented 23-year-old will look to bounce back from his first setback in the cage. He was making his UFC debut against Rodriguez after a second-round submission against Dorian Ramos on DWCS last year.
Bashi enjoyed stints in Lights Out Championship and Shamrock FC before eventually garnering the attention of the UFC matchmakers. He’ll look to bounce back similarly to Rosas, as Rosas is unbeaten since the defeat to Rodriguez.
If you’re a top prospect preparing to face Rodriguez, especially for your first fight, don’t overlook the challenge he presents. Rodriguez is off to a torrid start to 2025 as he looks to move closer to the featherweight Top 15.