For Rodriguez, it’s a chance to compete after logging a full training camp in preparation to face Bryan Barberena, who was forced out of their bout earlier this month after undergoing emergency surgery a week before they were slated to square off.
Rodriguez has been one of the pleasant surprises of 2020 — a 33-year-old veteran of the regional circuit who earned a victory, but not a contract on Season Three of the Contender Series, only to string together three straight victories inside the Octagon beginning with a short-notice submission win over Tim Means back in February.
As for Dalby, he views the new pairing as a win-win proposition.
“They’re both southpaws,” Dalby said of Rodriguez and Cosce before noting the differences in the way they throw strikes. “Not saying they have truly similar styles, but we didn’t have to re-work everything in our game plan. This fight is definitely win-win for me compared to my previous matchup, so I’m pretty happy about it.
“I like the higher potential payoff of a fight like this,” he admitted. “The risk is always going to be there, but it’s always better to get that win-win fight where you’re facing someone who has a level where even if you lost to that person, it would be, ‘Yeah, well,’ like my return against Alex Oliveira, and then if you win, it’s going to bring you a step forward.”
Stepping forward is something fans have always been able to count on Dalby doing whenever he competes.
Whether during his twin stints as a Cage Warriors champion or during his tandem runs on the UFC roster, “Lokomotivo” has long been viewed as a fan-friendly, action fighter; a must-watch attraction who leaves a piece of himself inside the cage each time he makes the walk.
Though he lost some of that fire during the tail end of his first UFC run, the talented veteran rekindled that fire when he rededicated himself to his craft and has been must-see TV ever since, and it should be more of the same on Saturday night.
“You can expect a fast and ferocious fighter that is going to come in and fight for his spot in the UFC; that’s what is going to happen on Saturday,” he said. “I’m just going to do my thing.
“I’m not going to predict any certain finishes, but usually, if I fight my fight, openings will come, and I will take it when it comes.”
