Preview: UFC Fight Night 212 Prelims

Welterweights

Mike Jackson (1-1, 1 NC) vs. Pete Rodriguez (4-1)

ODDS: Rodriguez (-730), Jackson (+530)

Good for Mike Jackson to make it to four UFC fights. Best known for his exploits as a media member and photographer, Jackson had some amateur experience before suddenly getting called to action as part of the build to CM Punk's UFC debut back in 2016; in order for Mickey Gall to prove himself worthy enough for the opportunity to face Punk, he had to first go through Jackson - which he did in just 45 seconds. After Punk's own fight against Gall didn't go particularly well, the UFC decided that the best course of action was instead to have the former pro wrestler face Jackson in a fight that did neither man much favors - Punk quickly ran out of energy and Jackson was unable to put him away before the final horn, earning a decision win that was later overturned once Jackson tested positive for marijuana. That figured to be the end of both men in the UFC, but with the promotion only cutting fighters off of a loss, Jackson remained under contract until a surprising return against Dean Barry in April. It figured to be easy work for Barry, a raw kickboxer who could score a knockout if nothing else, but Jackson succeeded in making the fight ugly and frustrated Barry to the point that Barry obviously gouged Jackson's eyes in a clinch exchange; that ended the fight, and with Jackson unable to continue, he wound up winning the fight via disqualification and living to fight in the UFC another day. That day is now, where he should serve as a rebound win for Pete Rodriguez, a solid enough prospect who got signed by the UFC much too early. Rodriguez's entire pro career consisted of four knockout wins in under five combined minutes against an extremely low level of competition before the UFC picked him up, all of which left him wholly unprepared on late notice against top prospect Jack Della Maddalena in January. Jackson could make this frustrating at moments, but it's hard to see how he'll be able to discourage Rodriguez from punching him with a force that he cannot withstand; the pick is Rodriguez via first-round knockout.

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