Ernesto “Starboy” Rodriguez
Ernesto “Starboy” Rodriguez just made history. On Saturday, March 28, he stepped into the Professional Fighters League (PFL) cage at the UMPC Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was broadcasted one ESPN 2. Rodriguez faced the dangerous Japanese veteran Masayuki Kikuiri. Rodriguez was listed in the undercard for the “PFL Pittsburgh: Eblen vs. Battle” and secured a massive victory by majority decision at the end of the 3rd round. This thrilling win marks a bright new chapter for Cuban MMA on a global stage.
A Truly Historic Win for Cuban MMA
The Cuban warrior entered the PFL with a stellar 10-1 record. Furthermore, he carried an impressive eight-fight win streak into this massive event. His fighting style beautifully blends constant pressure with explosive finishes. He expertly hones his skills at One Kick’s Gym in Las Vegas. Additionally, technical support from Xtreme Couture perfectly sharpens his tactical game. Therefore, beating a highly experienced veteran like Kikuiri completely proves his elite status within the competitive international fight scene.
Looking Back at the Starboy’s MMA Journey
This spectacular PFL debut remains deeply symbolic. First, it loudly confirms his international rise. Second, it highlights his immense talent and relentless hard work. Every fight in this premier organization can quickly change a career trajectory. For Cuban MMA, Rodriguez’s incredible success clearly signals rapid growth. It actively shows that the island’s martial arts talent extends far beyond the well-known realm of traditional boxing.
Winning Results – PFL Pittsburgh: Eblen vs. Battle
Main Card
- Middleweight (185 lbs) | Main Event
- Johnny Eblen (17-1) def. Bryan Battle (12-3) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) — Round 1, 4:10
- Middleweight (185 lbs) | Co-Main Event
- Impa Kasanganay (20-6) def. Dalton Rosta (11-3) via KO/TKO (Right Hook to Ground Strikes) — Round 1, 3:18
- Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Ariane Lipski da Silva (18-11) def. Sumiko Inaba (8-3) via Unanimous Decision
- Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Alexei Pergande (8-0) def. Julio Arce (21-7) via Unanimous Decision
- Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Lazaro Dayron (10-0-1) def. Jacob Thrall (15-8-1) via Unanimous Decision
Preliminary Card
- Catchweight (140 lbs)
- Jack Cartwright (14-2) def. Allan Begosso (10-4-1) via Split Decision
- Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Jakub Kaszuba (16-0) def. Natan Schulte (25-6-1) via Unanimous Decision
- Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Dakota Bush (16-4) def. Robert Watley (16-4) via KO/TKO (Overhand Right) — Round 1, 0:34
- Welterweight (170 lbs)
- Ernesto Rodriguez (11-1) def. Masayuki Kikuiri (11-4-1) via Majority Decision
- Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Tatiana Postarnakova (7-0) def. Elora Dana (8-2) via Unanimous Decision
- Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Josh Fremd (12-6) def. J. Al-Silawi (21-8) via KO/TKO (Left Hook) — Round 3, 3:57
- Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Frederik Dupras (10-2) def. Ethan Goss (12-9) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) — Round 1, 2:46
