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It didn't take long for the UFC to announce Ian Garry's next opponent after his impressive win over Keenan Song. He will now take on Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 224 on May 13.
Rodriguez will definitely be a tough test for the 25-year-old as he looks to ascend the welterweight rankings. The 36-year-old has an MMA record of 17-3 and is coming off a submission loss to Neil Magny this past November.
Prior to his submission loss to Magny, 'D-Rod' was on an impressive four-fight winning streak that saw him defeat a number of ranked opponents. He began his winning streak with a unanimous decision win over Mike Perry, which ended up being the former ranked welterweight's final bout in the promotion.
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The 36-year-old then made quick work of Preston Parsons as he defeated him via first-round TKO. His biggest win came against Kevin Lee, who had previously been one of the top-ranked lightweights in the promotion and once challenged for the interim lightweight championship. The bout went the distance and saw 'D-Rod' earn a unanimous decision win.
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After being out of action for a year, Rodriguez fought No.14-ranked welterweight Li Jingliang at UFC 279. He was originally scheduled to fight Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout, but there were many changes to the card after Khamzat Chimaev missed weight for his main event bout.
'D-Rod' and 'Leech' had an entertaining back-and-forth bout that saw the 36-year-old earn a split decision win.
Who will be headlining UFC Fight Night 224?
A big light heavyweight clash is set to headline UFC Fight Night 224 as Anthony Smith will take on Johnny Walker in the main event.
Smith was originally scheduled to fight Jamahal Hill in March. However, the fight was scrapped in December after Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz fought to a draw. As a result, Hill fought Glover Texeira and ended up defeating him to win the vacant light heavyweight championship.
'Lionheart' is currently the No.5-ranked light heavyweight and a win over Walker could get him one step closer to a title shot. On the other hand, the No.7-ranked Walker has an opportunity to continue his momentum and insert himself into the top five should he defeat Smith.
