UFC Vegas 102 Fight Card Odds And Predictions: Cannonier Vs. Rodrigues

The UFC is back in Las Vegas this weekend after the UFC 312 pay-per-view card in Australia. Like that PPV event, the main event contest on the UFC Vegas 102 card is a middleweight affair. UFC Vegas 102 takes place at the UFC Apex on Saturday, February 15. The headlining bout finds former UFC middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier facing Gregory Rodrigues. In the co-main event of the UFC Fight Night, Calvin Kattar meets Youssef Zalal in a featherweight matchup. Below, we look at the betting odds for the Cannonier vs. Rodrigues fight and offer our preview, picks, and predictions for the bout.

UFC Vegas 102 Main Event Preview: Jared Cannonier Vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Jared Cannonier (17-8) looks to avoid the first three-fight losing skid of his MMA career when he meets the rising Gregory Rodrigues at the UFC Apex. Cannonier began his UFC career in January 2015 as a heavyweight. He went 1-1 in the weight division before dropping to light heavyweight in December 2016. After a 2-3 run at 205 pounds, Cannonier made the move to middleweight. He has competed at 185 pounds since November 2018.

In his first six fights at middleweight, Cannonier went 5-1 with four knockout wins and one decision victory. His sole loss was a 2020 decision setback to former UFC champ Robert Whittaker, who was working his way back to a title shot at the time. Cannonier’s UFC 271 knockout win over Derek Brunson earned him his opportunity to unseat then UFC middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya. Adesanya won that July 2022 contest via decision.

Since losing to Adesanya, Cannonier has gone 2-2 with decision wins over Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori. His two losses have come in his most recent outings, falling to Nassourdine Imavov by knockout in June 2024 and losing a decision to Caio Borralho in August of last year.

Cannonier is currently the No. 7 ranked fighter in the official UFC middleweight rankings.

Gregory Rodrigues (16-5) is outside the UFC middleweight top 15. He looks to change that at UFC Vegas 102 when he faces the highly-ranked Jared Cannonier in the main event.

Rodrigues joined the UFC in 2021 after claiming the LFA middleweight title. He opened his UFC run with two wins, but fell to Arman Petrosyan by decision in February 2022. Two more victories followed, but Rodrigues was unable to land a third straight UFC win when Brunno Ferreira knocked him out in January 2023.

Rodrigues bounced back from that knockout loss with three straight wins, knocking out Denis Tiuliulin. Brad Tavares and most recently picking up a decision win over Christian Leroy Duncan in June 2024.

Prior to his decision win over Duncan, Rodrigues had not gone the distance in victory since his UFC debut.

UFC Vegas 102 Main Event Preview: Jared Cannonier Vs. Gregory Rodrigues Betting Odds

When the betting odds opened for the Cannonier vs. Rodrigues matchup, Cannonier as a +150 betting underdog, while Rodrigues came in at -175. As fight night nears, Rodrigues is now a -220 favorite over Cannonier, who checks in at +185.

*Odds via BetOnline

UFC Vegas 102 Main Event Preview: Jared Cannonier Vs. Gregory Rodrigues Significant Stats

Cannonier lands 4.49 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy of 50 percent. His striking defense is 56 percent, and he absorbs 4.39 significant strikes per minute. Cannonier averages 0.42 takedowns per 15 minutes with a success rate of 46 percent. Cannonier’s takedown defense is 62 percent.

Rodrigues lands 5.52 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 56 percent. His striking defense is 51 percent, and he absorbs 4.69 strikes per minute. Rodrigues averages 2.74 takedowns per 15 minutes with a success rate of 41 percent. His takedown defense is 100 percent.

UFC Vegas 102 Main Event Preview: Jared Cannonier Vs. Gregory Rodrigues Prediction and Pick

Rodrigues has youth on his side in this fight, but he has never faced a ranked UFC fighter before. Meanwhile Cannonier has been in the Octagon with some of the best in the middleweight division. That will make a difference in this fight, as will Rodrigues’ penchant for using his chin as his first line of defense.

There’s always a chance that this is the fight where Cannonier starts to show his age, but the betting pick is for Cannonier to win the UFC Vegas 102 main event via knockout.

UFC Vegas 102 Preview: Cannonier on Rodrigues

“One more time. I guess we’ll give it one more shot,” Cannonier told MMA Junkie. “I do appreciate them giving me another main event. I’m aware of who Gregory Rodrigues is, and it’s a tough challenge. I’m appreciative of that, that I have another challenge to overcome. That’s what’s expected in this organization. I’m in the position that I find myself in because I didn’t win those last two fights.”

UFC Vegas 102 Preview: Rodrigues on Cannonier

“Sometimes people, when they get five rounds, they like to change everything,” Rodrigues told MMA Junkie. “No, man. Of course, I did my work, I prepared myself for the five rounds. I already fought three rounds, so now I have an extra two rounds.

“My pace is always going to be high, and I think that’s one of my advantages, and I think Jared can’t handle it. I will put my pressure, put my game, and look for the best.”

“I believe the pace was amazing,” Rodrigues added. “When I made my debut in the UFC, I want to do my solid foundation, then I can build it on top, so that’s going to be my 10th fight in the UFC, and that’s the perfect time for a fight like that. I’m ready for it spiritually, mentally and physically. This is the right moment that’s come at the right time, and I’m excited. I was just making sure I’m 100 percent ready, and I am.”

UFC Vegas 102 Date

February 15, 2025

UFC Vegas 102 Location

UFC Apex in Las Vegas

UFC Vegas 102 How To Watch Or Stream

Prelims: 4:00 p.m. ET – ESPN+

Main Card: 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPN+

Stay tuned for more coverage from UFC Vegas 102, as well as results, reactions, recaps on fight night for the Cannonier vs. Rodrigues fight card.