Gregory Rodrigues on Cannonier Fight, Sparring with Shavkat Rakhmonov and Alex Pereira

After two straight impressive wins, Gregory Rodrigues called out fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa. When the 11th-ranked Costa declined to face an unranked opponent, the UFC offered No. 8 Jared Cannonier.

In this Sherdog exclusive, the Brazilian analyzed the matchup with Cannonier, which is scheduled for UFC Fight Night 251 on Feb. 15. "Robocop" also discussed his recent sparring sessions with with Shavkat Rakhmonov and Alex Pereira. “They are on a different level. I believe 'Poatan' will beat [Magomed] Ankalaev, do some more super fights and retire with that belt… Shavkat was injured when he faced [Ian] Garry. Now he went home to Kazakhstan. I believe he will heal those injuries and bring his best version against Belal [Muhammad]. I truly believe he is better everywhere and will get the title.”