Yair Rodriguez Comments on UFC Boston Win, Calls Jeremy Stephens a “Warrior”

Not long ago, Yair Rodriguez was questioning whether Jeremy Stephens wanted out of their first bout in September. But, following their jaw-dropping, thrilling war at UFC Boston, Rodriguez is praising “Lil’ Heathen”.

The fallout from their first bout

Rodriguez and Stephens fought for the first time at UFC Mexico City last month, and the highly anticipated bout ended in disaster. Moments into the fight, Stephens took an eyepoke and he was ruled ineligible to continue. Afterward, Rodriguez questioned whether Stephens could have kept fighting, and the latter didn’t care for those comments. The two ended up briefly scuffling in a hotel lobby after the no-contest fight.

Rodriguez’s post-UFC Boston comments

Rodriguez and Stephens threw down on Friday night, and this time around, the fight delivered fireworks and then some. Rodriguez emerged from the bout with a decision win, and since then, he shared out the comments below:

I have a great team, there are plenty of words to express such gratitude, not only to my coaches but also to my friends and my family for always being with me. Despite all the bitterness that can become an experience, we always look for the positive side of things and improve as human beings.
I had a pending account against a great rival, I knew it would be a hard test in my career but I feel grateful and blessed by God for the opportunity to win this victory.
Focused and improving day by day, I am sure that I will reach the top in this world.
I go with everything and everything but I do not go alone .. .
I HAVE A GREAT TEAM! .
My respects for this warrior who, despite all that happened before this fight at the end, showed respect and that this is only part of the “business” business. .
I only seek to face the best of the best in the division and I hope that the @ufc after 9 fights for them, within which 8 are victories, 7 bonuses for fights and performances of the night, give me the opportunity to fight Soon for a world title.

There you have it. Stephens and Rodriguez appeared to have a very respectful post-fight moment at UFC Boston as well. So, the comments above shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise.