Gregory Rodrigues, who is set to face Brad Tavares in UFC Vegas 86, has stated that he doesn’t consider Dricus du Plessis, the current UFC middleweight champion, as the best 185-pounder, instead suggesting that the title could go to either PFL champion Impa Kasanganay or undefeated Bellator titleholder Johnny Eblen.
Dricus du Plessis snagged the UFC middleweight title. He beat Sean Strickland. But, Gregory Rodrigues doesn’t see him as the best 185-pounder out there.
Rodrigues is set to face Brad Tavares. He’s a seasoned octagon vet. The fight is part of UFC Vegas 86’s main card. It’s happening this Saturday in Las Vegas.
Rodrigues shared his thoughts on the MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast. He thinks the best middleweight will be decided on Feb. 24. That’s when Impa Kasanganay, the PFL champ, will fight Johnny Eblen. Eblen is the undefeated Bellator titleholder. The fight is in Saudi Arabia.
“I respect Dricus,” Rodrigues said. “But I don’t see him holding that belt for long.” He mentioned Kasanganay and Eblen. He knows it’s a different promotion. He’s always said the UFC is different. It’s a unique atmosphere. Fighters change when they’re in there. That’s why he respects Dricus for being a UFC champ. He’s had his journey. But, Rodrigues doesn’t see him as one of the best middleweights. Far from it, in fact.
“There are guys way better than him,” Rodrigues added. He compared him to Kasanganay and Eblen. They’re way better. If you compare him to other middleweight champs, Kasanganay and Eblen could be the best in the world.
Rodrigues talked about Kasanganay. He became one of his first friends when he joined the Kill Cliff FC team in Florida. Rodrigues is happy to see him reach his potential. Especially after a rocky UFC run. Kasanganay won the 2023 PFL season. He had five victories over eight months. Du Plessis, on the other hand, beat Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker in 2023. Then he dethroned Strickland.
“Impa has found himself,” Rodrigues said. He knows all his weapons. He’s aggressive and strong. He never runs out of cardio. Eblen has grappling and is versatile. He does everything at once. But, they’re working hard. Impa is sharp in all areas. He’s at the peak of his career. Rodrigues believes he’ll bring another victory for them.
Meanwhile, “Robocop” is set to fight Tavares. Their match was supposed to happen in January 2023. They both fought on the same card in August. The Brazilian knocked out Denis Tiuliulin in less than two minutes. Tavares scored a decision over ex-champ Chris Weidman.
Rodrigues thinks Tavares “has a name in the division.” Beating the Hawaiian will let him seek a top-ranked opponent next. “It’s a fight that will put me in a better position,” Rodrigues said. He likes to take one step at a time. He hasn’t asked for a top-10 or top-15 opponent yet. But Brad Tavares is someone he’d like to fight. He doesn’t want to test himself against him. He knows who he is. But, he wants to beat him before challenging the top fighters. He noticed that most people who fought him went on to challenge ranked opponents next.
Half of Tavares’ UFC defeats were knockouts. He was stopped by Whittaker, Bruno Silva, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Tim Boetsch. “Robocop” plans to join that group on Feb. 10.
“I know of my knockout power,” Rodrigues said. “And I know my jiu-jitsu is really good.” He’s ready to go three rounds. But he doesn’t think this fight will go the distance.