Esteban Rodriguez secured a remarkable victory over Chris Camozzi, claiming the interim cruiserweight world title at BKFC 88.
Rodriguez began the fight aggressively, aiming for a swift victory against the former UFC fighter. However, this initial strategy led to noticeable fatigue as the bout progressed into the second round, allowing Camozzi to gain momentum.
Midway through the third round, a brief pause occurred when Camozzi appeared to land an illegal blow while holding Rodriguez in a headlock. After review, the punch was deemed legal, and the fight resumed. Camozzi continued to score points on the judges’ cards.
With less than 30 seconds remaining in the penultimate round, Camozzi seemed to be in control, targeting Rodriguez’s body. Yet, a glancing uppercut from Rodriguez unexpectedly stunned Camozzi, who subsequently took a knee. The referee began the ten-count.
In a dramatic turn of events, Camozzi was unable to recover, marking the end of the fight and the most significant win of Esteban Rodriguez’s bare-knuckle boxing career.
Official Result: Esteban Rodriguez defeated Chris Camozzi by knockout at 1:43 of Round 4, winning the interim BKFC cruiserweight championship.
English Translation:
Esteban Rodriguez achieved an impressive comeback against Chris Camozzi, capturing the interim cruiserweight world title at BKFC 88.
Rodriguez started the fight aggressively, throwing punches in an attempt to quickly finish the former UFC fighter. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, this tactic proved taxing. By the second round, Rodriguez appeared significantly fatigued, and Camozzi began to dominate the bout.
Around the one-minute mark of the third round, the fight was temporarily halted when Camozzi seemed to throw an illegal shot while holding Rodriguez in a headlock. The punch was later determined to be legal, and no point deduction was made. The fight continued, with Camozzi winning the round on the scorecards.
Camozzi appeared to have the fight under control in the final 30 seconds of the third round, landing body shots on Rodriguez. However, a glancing uppercut from Rodriguez caused Camozzi to stumble. Moments later, Camozzi went down to a knee, prompting the referee to administer a ten-count.
In an astonishing turn of events, Camozzi was unable to continue, ending the fight and securing the biggest victory of Rodriguez’s bare-knuckle career.
Official Result: Esteban Rodriguez def. Chris Camozzi via KO at 1:43 of Round 4 to win the interim BKFC cruiserweight championship.