Ed Herman scores comeback Kimura in a dramatic scrap
UFC‘s long run inside the APEX continues with UFC on ESPN+ 36 tonight, Saturday, Sept. 12. Headlining the event is a women’s strawweight fight between Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill.
The co-main event features two rising lightweights in Khama Worthy and unbeaten prospect Ottoman Azaitar.
In a light heavyweight showdown, TUF season 3 veteran Ed “Short Fuse” Herman faces DWSCS alumni’s Mike Rodriguez. Rodriguez is looking to keep the ball rolling with a quick turnaround after a dominant win over Marcin Prachnio via first round TKO at UFC Fight Night: Munhoz vs Edgar.
Herman, on the other hand, has struggled to keep an opponent locked in thus far in the year. Herman’s last outing was a unanimous decision in November over Khadis Imbrigmov. Having multiple fights this year fall out, “Short Fuse” is not only itching for another fight, but to continue where he left off in November, inching forward on the division. Tonight, he’ll have his work cut out for him in Mike Rodriguez with full potential to be tonight’s “fight of the night”.
Here is how the lightweight bout between Ed “Short Fuse” Herman and Mike Rodriguez went down at UFC on ESPN+ 36, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right here..
Round 1:
The fighters talk privacy and about is underway Herman is circling the cage while Rodriguez is cutting his angles. Herman fires two leg kicks to feel out Rodriguez our. A brief exchange of punches between both fighters. Rodriguez pushes the pace a bit more to feel his distance. Herman meets the pace and picks up his pace as well. The two exchange and work their way into a brief clinch where Herman utilizes his dirty boxing; switching from head to body. Rodriguez circles out and uses his teep kicks to create space. Herman works his way inside, dirty boxing on the inside. Both fighters are trading short shots against the fence until Rodriguez circles out again. Herman throws a looping overhand right in an attempt to get inside where he wants. Rodriguez backs off a hair to sneak an inside elbow that wobbles Herman. Herman is hurt and retreats with Rodriguez following him against the fence. Herman manages to circle Rodriguez against the fence. Some strikes during a scramble and Rodriguez is back to the center of the cage. Both fighters trade strikes and Herman closes the distance against the fence again to close the round.
MyMMANews scores round one for Mike Rodriguez. 10-9
Round 2:
No feeling out process in this round as both fighters meet in the center of the octagon and begin trading. Rodriguez looks a bit crisper with Herman closing the distance, getting the fight back to the fence. Some shorts punches and knees exchanged while the fighters remain clinched against the cage. Herman briefly gets Rodriguez to the ground. Rodriguez gets to his feet and goes to work. Peppering some jabs followed by a heavy kick. Herman presses the fight against the cage once more. Rodriguez easily scores the reversal and goes to work with vicious knees to the body. The referee calls time as he believes he sees a low blow from Rodriguez. From video replay, the shot that rendered the foul looked to hit the midsection. However, Herman is allowed time to recover and takes his time. The fight continues, Rodriguez wastes no time to fire 2 heavy low kicks and goes amps up his strike volume in an effort to finish “Short Fuse” before the round expires. The bell sounds and we break for the 3rd and final round.
MyMMANews scores round two for Mike Rodriguez.
Round 3:
Rodriguez gets to work with 2 leg kicks and Herman pushes the fight against the fence. Herman secures the takedown but isn’t able to keep his man down. Rodriguez gets back to his feet with Herman looking to switch levels again. Rodriguez stuffs the takedown and goes to work with heavy elbows from the 9-3 position. Herman is taking a ton of punishment and the referee warns him and almost stops the fight. Like a seasoned professional, Ed “Short Fuse” Herman is able to secure a Kimura and forces him to tap in the final minute of the fight.
Official Result: Ed “Short Fuse” Herman defeats Mike Rodriguez via Kimura at 4:01 of round 3.
