Rodolfo Vieira
The Black Belt Hunter
Brazil
Takes on Gore in August
Vieira will take on Tresean Gore in a middleweight matchup at UFC Vegas 108 on August 2, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Vieira has accumulated a 5-3 record since joining the UFC in 2019, most recently falling to Andre Petroski via decision in February -- a fight in which the overall striking numbers were quite close. He now draws Gore, who is 2-3 and coming off a loss of his own, getting finished by Marco Tulio in April. Vieira has the advantage in the striking numbers, both offensively and defensively, in addition to sporting a higher takedown volume and superior takedown defense. He'll be giving up two inches in reach.
Vieira has accumulated a 5-3 record since joining the UFC in 2019, most recently falling to Andre Petroski via decision in February -- a fight in which the overall striking numbers were quite close. He now draws Gore, who is 2-3 and coming off a loss of his own, getting finished by Marco Tulio in April. Vieira has the advantage in the striking numbers, both offensively and defensively, in addition to sporting a higher takedown volume and superior takedown defense. He'll be giving up two inches in reach.
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Crushing defeat in Vegas
Vieira lost to Andre Petroski via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It goes without saying that Vieira, at age 35, cannot be losing fights in which he enters as a -275 favorite. Of course, the result doesn't come as much of a surprise considering Rodolfo went 1-for-11 on takedown attempts. It was the lone area in which he projected to have a significant edge over Petroski, and he was unable to take advantage. Vieira also appeared to tire as the bout progressed, allowing Andre to pull away late. While the Brazilian's stand-up skills appear to be legitimately improving, it's difficult to make any real headway when you fight as infrequently as Vieira has. This was just his eighth fight (5-3) since his August 2019 company debut.
It goes without saying that Vieira, at age 35, cannot be losing fights in which he enters as a -275 favorite. Of course, the result doesn't come as much of a surprise considering Rodolfo went 1-for-11 on takedown attempts. It was the lone area in which he projected to have a significant edge over Petroski, and he was unable to take advantage. Vieira also appeared to tire as the bout progressed, allowing Andre to pull away late. While the Brazilian's stand-up skills appear to be legitimately improving, it's difficult to make any real headway when you fight as infrequently as Vieira has. This was just his eighth fight (5-3) since his August 2019 company debut.
Receives new opponent
Vieira will now fight Andre Petroski at UFC Vegas on Feb. 15, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Vieira was originally set to fight Jacob Malkoun, but the latter was forced to bow out for unknown reasons, so Petroski will step in as his replacement. Vieira and Petroski will both be looking to extend their respective win streaks to three fights in February, though Petroski has fought three times since Vieira last stepped into the Octagon and will be less susceptible to rust.
Vieira was originally set to fight Jacob Malkoun, but the latter was forced to bow out for unknown reasons, so Petroski will step in as his replacement. Vieira and Petroski will both be looking to extend their respective win streaks to three fights in February, though Petroski has fought three times since Vieira last stepped into the Octagon and will be less susceptible to rust.
Fighting Malkoun in February
Vieira will fight Jacob Malkoun at UFC Vegas 102 on Feb. 15, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Vieira took down Armen Petrosyan in February to record his second consecutive victory, though he hasn't fought since then and may be at risk of showing some rust against Malkoun after what will be a year of inactivity.
Vieira took down Armen Petrosyan in February to record his second consecutive victory, though he hasn't fought since then and may be at risk of showing some rust against Malkoun after what will be a year of inactivity.
Blows past Armen Petrosyan
Vieira defeated Armen Petrosyan via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:48 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Vieira had the correct game plan for this fight, and he executed it to perfection. One of the most decorated submission specialists in MMA history, Rodolfo landed all three of his takedown attempts before tapping Petrosyan out with an arm-triangle choke with just seconds left to go in Round 1. The sub would go on to win him one of four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. It was a flawless effort from Vieira, but concerns remain. His gas tank is highly questionable, although he was able to get Armen out of there early so it wasn't an issue tonight. His striking, while improved, is still below-average. He also has just a dozen pro fights under his belt at age 34. Rodolfo is capable of dominant performances such as this one if everything breaks correctly, but expect more inconsistency moving forward.
Vieira had the correct game plan for this fight, and he executed it to perfection. One of the most decorated submission specialists in MMA history, Rodolfo landed all three of his takedown attempts before tapping Petrosyan out with an arm-triangle choke with just seconds left to go in Round 1. The sub would go on to win him one of four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. It was a flawless effort from Vieira, but concerns remain. His gas tank is highly questionable, although he was able to get Armen out of there early so it wasn't an issue tonight. His striking, while improved, is still below-average. He also has just a dozen pro fights under his belt at age 34. Rodolfo is capable of dominant performances such as this one if everything breaks correctly, but expect more inconsistency moving forward.
Petrosyan fight re-scheduled
Vieira will compete against Armen Petrosyan in a middleweight fight at the UFC's Feb. 10 event, according to Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com.
ANALYSIS
Vieira and Petrosyan got their fight re-scheduled to a date nearly three months down the line. By defeating Petrosyan, the Brazilian can begin a winning streak that has evaded him since 2021.
Vieira and Petrosyan got their fight re-scheduled to a date nearly three months down the line. By defeating Petrosyan, the Brazilian can begin a winning streak that has evaded him since 2021.