Jose Rodriguez wants CFFC 139 opponent Tyri Brown to understand one thing: 'He's here because of me'
Former NextGen champ "Cheeto" makes UFC FIGHT PASS debut at Saturday's event in Philadelphia.
After securing a finish in his professional debut, former CFFC NextGen champ Jose "Cheeto" Rodriguez is set to return to action on Saturday night.
In his first pro appearance, the Minnesota native showcased his aggressive style, dominating Xavier Martin at this past October's CFFC 137 and ultimately earning a stoppage in the third round after breaking down his opponent with a high pace.
Rodriguez began his MMA training with the benefit of an extensive wrestling background. A pupil of the Iowa Central Community College program, "Cheeto" claimed an NJCAA title at 174 pounds in 2021. Now, the 29-year-old prospect looks to use the lessons learned in that realm to fuel his success in MMA.
When reflecting on his first professional win, Rodriguez says the bout went just as planned.
"It was everything I wanted to do," Rodriguez said. "I felt like I could've ended it really early. I like to break people. I really just want them to quit. When they quit, that's when I smell blood. He was doing everything in his power not to get finished. I just kept on him and kept the pace.
"I felt good. Definitely things I could've done better, but it's a learning process. That was my first pro fight. I was happy with that performance."
"Cheeto" certainly proved himself to the fans in attendance that night, as the audible shots landing on Martin garnered attention. Adding a supportive crowd to the atmosphere made his victory absolutely electric.
Having just joined the Dante Rivera BJJ crew two years ago, Rodriguez quickly fit into the New Jersey-based team. With their assistance, Rodriguez finished at 6-1 as an amateur, claiming the CFFC NextGen title this past June.
"Rodriguez" also enjoys working in the gym with a familiar face in teammate Darwin Pena, who is also an Iowa Central Wrestling product. Their history together, as well as similar size, has made them ideal training partners.
Things have certainly been clicking for the team as a whole, with both Rodriguez and Pena securing their first pro victories at CFFC 137, Luke Fernandez defending his light heavyweight title at December's CFFC 138, and Eric Nolan viciously finishing his last two opponents. "Cheeto" looks to continue the team’s success with the vibes high at the gym as he starts building his own resume in the sport.
"Everyone in here competes," Rodriguez said. "That's why I fell in love with the gym. We're competing against each other everyday. We don't want to give up a takedown. We don't want to give up a good shot. There's no give. That's why we're always ready to fight. We really never slow down training with each other.
"I'm in there with these guys at the gym more than I'm at home. I spent the last better part of two years with these guys. They're like my family. We're really close."
Dante Rivera fighters have developed a reputation of aggression once the bell rings. "Cheeto" looks to prove that like his teammates, his mindset in the cage is no different.
Rodrigez (1-0 MMA, 1-0 CFFC) now faces his next challenge in fellow lightweight Tyri Brown (1-1 MMA, 0-0 CFFC), a newcomer to the organization, at Saturday's CFFC 139, live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia and streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS.
Rodriguez said he looks to use his aggressive style and high pace to suffocate the debuting Brown. From there, the goal is to start making a run towards a UFC call, but the first step is to showcase his abilities come Saturday night.
Rodriguez feels confident his abilities will stand out at CFFC 139, and that his team will pitch a shutout alongside him, with teammates Pena and Nick Galanti also competing on the card. "Cheeto" believes his aggressive style will be too much for Brown, and that he will be dictating the entirety of the action in the cage.
"The difference between me and every other fighter is that I'm pushing the pace no matter what," Rodriguez said. "I'm pushing the pace. I'm not moving backwards. I'm the one who is going to dictate everything.
"I'm always looking for the finish. You can't blink. You don't know when it's going to come. I'm always looking for it. I know he's tough. I know he's going to come ready, but he's here because of me."
