By: Sierra Green 🇺🇸
Image via El Sol de Córdoba
Luis Ronaldo Rodríguez or better known as “Lazy Boy” Rodríguez, is a Mexican Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter who has grabbed the world's attention throughout his career not only for his skills but also his personality.
He is originally from Chiapas, which is considered a low-income state in Mexico, but later moved to Veracruz for better opportunities. His childhood was difficult, being raised by a single mother and often without enough clothes or food. He realized at a young age that he had to find opportunities for his mom and himself because nothing was going to be handed to them.
Rodriquez began training at a nearby MMA gym at the age of 14 after finding his love for fighting to be problematic in school. After three years of amateur fights he decided to move to Mexico City to chase his dreams. For the next four years he worked hard inside the gym which became his home, and got side jobs that would support him, such as selling Gelatinas. He quickly became a local talent and continued to win in fights that are now recorded.
The nickname “Lazy Boy” was given to him by another boxer at his training camp in Mexico. He registered and fought under the name, because it sounded cool at the time. Only later to find out what the name actually means, but it was too late. The name stuck, and now suits his style of fighting which is controlled and perfected, to the point where it almost looks too easy or lazy.
This is why people love him. A young Mexican fighter with humble beginnings, becoming one of the biggest faces in all of UFC. He is an inspiration for many people and has kept his humility. Entering fights with pure Mexican pride and a love for the sport, which has become obvious to many who watch him.
Throughout interviews, press conferences, and on stage, Lazy Boy has been able to show off his electric personality. Whether it’s through funny comments or jokes, people have fallen in love with his down to earth and relatable personality. Not to mention his ring entrance dancing or his infamous Paso del Zopilote.
He got his first big breakthrough in 2020 at an event hosted by Dana White, to get the attention of the UFC and the chance to prove himself globally. Unfortunately, he lost the fight which landed him back at square one. This only motivated him to work harder and by doing so he got another chance with the UFC. The event took place in Mexico City and Lazy Boy took down Denys Bondar in the second round. That moment became his big breakthrough which grabbed attention from viewers worldwide.
Now at the age of 25, he has been in front of some of the largest stages and has represented Mexico throughout the way.
He fights under Flyweight, which is a division of fighters between 116-125 pounds. Throughout his career he has had a total of 19 pro fights, 17 of them consisting of wins and only two losses. Out of his 17 wins almost half were by knockout.
His most recent fight was under “Noche UFC” on Sept. 14, 2024 in the new Las Vegas Sphere. The sphere is a newly made 360 dome set to hold the top shows, concerts, and performances to come. The Mexican atmosphere and traditional aspects in celebration of El dia de Independencia didn’t disappoint. Lazy Boy faced off against Jamaican UFC fighter Ode Osborne, and the two took part in a main card fight. It was electric and they both gave their all. The fight ended in a decision victory for Lazy Boy.
He has now reached the level of success in his career where he is able to meet and train alongside other great Mexican fighters like Canelo Álvarez and Julio César Chávez, who inspired him along the way.
Funny enough there is nothing lazy about “Lazy Boy” Rodríguez.
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