Ricco Rodriguez took care of business against British striker James McSweeney to earn a unanimous decision last friday night at the M. E. N. Arena in Manchester, England. McSweeney was looking good early on the feet. He clipped Ricco behind the ear sending him to the mat, McSweeney followed him down momentarily but wisely disengaged and stood up.After the restart, Rodriguez decided to get this fight into his world. McSweeney defended several takedown attempts, but eventually Ricco was successful getting the fight on the ground catching a kick and utilizing an outside trip landing in half guard. With 2:00 to work, Rodriguez secured his position, did a little grinding, and began working for an arm triangle. With about :30 left in the first round, Rodriguez spins going for a kneebar but McSweeney spins out, and Ricco switched to a heel hook but couldn't secure the hold before the round ended.
Thirty-five seconds into the 2nd round Ricco got a takedown against the cage and lands in McSweeney's guard. Ricco kept the strikers head pressed against the cage with his elbow and lands a few shot alternately going to the ribs and head. After about two minutes of this McSweeney gets to his feet only to be taken right back down again. For the remainder of the round, the BJJ blackbelt continued to stay busy and land some punches.
The 3rd round began with the Brit doing his best to keep distance and unleash devastation, but Ricco soon caught a kick, backed him to the cage, and pulled the feet out from under his foe. Ricco used his ground and pound to control the action for rest of the round resulting in a unanimous decision, his 11th straight win, and his 46th career victory.
Fight videos:
Part 1
http://www.mma-core.com/videos/_Ricco_Rodriguez_vs_James_McSweeney_Part_1_of_2_B?vid=10017248&tid=100
Part 2
http://www.mma-core.com/videos/_Ricco_Rodriguez_vs_James_McSweeney_Part_2_of_2_B?vid=10017249&tid=100
Post-fight interview:
http://www.mma-core.com/videos/_Ricco_Rodriguez_Talks_Win_At_BAMMA_5?vid=10017282&tid=105
