In the fifth round Rodriguez was able to achieve a ground-and-pound victory with a stoppage by verbal tapout. In his first title defense, he was knocked out by 6'8 up and coming striker Tim Sylvia in the first round, thus losing the belt.
In the fifth round, Rodriguez achieved a ground-and-pound victory via verbal tapout. In his first title defense, he was knocked out by Tim Sylvia, a 6'8" up and coming striker, in the first round, leading to the loss of the belt.