Esteban Rodriguez achieved a significant career milestone by defeating Chris Camozzi via knockout to claim the interim cruiserweight world title at BKFC 88.
Rodriguez began the fight with an aggressive approach, aiming for an early finish against the former UFC competitor. However, this strategy led to noticeable fatigue as the bout progressed into the second round, allowing Camozzi to gain momentum.
In the third round, a brief pause occurred when Camozzi appeared to land an illegal strike while grappling with Rodriguez. After review, the punch was deemed legal, and the fight resumed with Camozzi continuing to win the round on the judges’ scorecards.
With only 30 seconds remaining in the penultimate round, Camozzi seemed to be in control, focusing his attacks on Rodriguez’s body. Unexpectedly, a glancing uppercut from Rodriguez sent Camozzi reeling. Shortly after, Camozzi took a knee, prompting the referee to begin the ten-count.
In a remarkable turn of events, Camozzi was unable to recover, leading to the end of the fight and marking the most substantial victory of Rodriguez’s bare-knuckle boxing career.
Official Result: Esteban Rodriguez defeated Chris Camozzi by knockout at 1:43 of Round 4, earning the interim BKFC cruiserweight championship.
English Translation:
Esteban Rodriguez delivered an exciting comeback against Chris Camozzi to capture the interim cruiserweight world title at BKFC 88.
Rodriguez came out aggressively, furiously swinging in hopes of securing a quick finish against the former UFC fighter. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, that strategy did not pay off. As the second stanza approached, Rodriguez appeared to be suffering from severe fatigue, and Camozzi took over the contest.
Near the one-minute mark of the third, the bout was paused after Camozzi appeared to throw an illegal shot while holding Rodriguez in a headlock. It was later determined that the punch was legal. No point was deducted, and the fight resumed, with Camozzi winning another round on the scorecards.
Camozzi appeared to have things well in hand while targeting Rodriguez’s body with 30 seconds left in the penultimate round. However, a glancing uppercut from Rodriguez sent Camozzi stumbling. Moments later, Camozzi took a knee, and the referee initiated the 10-count.
In an incredible turn of events, Camozzi was unable to continue, bringing the bout to an end and delivering the biggest win 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.
