Middleweight contender Jack Hermansson has released a statement on social media regarding his recent knockout defeat at UFC 317. The fight marked his return to competition after a sixteen-month absence from the octagon.
His comeback bout against Gregory Rodrigues did not go as planned, ending in a brutal first-round knockout. The conclusion of the fight drew significant attention and criticism, particularly from UFC commentator Daniel Cormier, who highlighted the referee`s timing as Rodrigues landed an unnecessary follow-up strike on Hermansson, leaving him unconscious and motionless on the canvas for several minutes during the featured preliminary bout.
Jack Hermansson Comments on the Loss
This ninth professional MMA loss for Hermansson sparked a heated discussion among fight fans across social media platforms. Some criticized Rodrigues for his actions immediately after the knockout, while others focused on referee Herb Dean`s delayed intervention in protecting Hermansson once he was clearly out.
Breaking his silence on the matter, Hermansson himself chose not to address the controversy surrounding the stoppage. Instead, he took personal responsibility for the “mistake” he believes led to the fight-ending sequence and offered congratulations to his opponent.
Alongside footage of the impactful KO, Hermansson wrote: “No need to sugar coat it. I made a mistake. I got knocked out. Congratulations to my opponent @gregoryrodriguesmma, well done. Thank you to my team and supporters. I will be back.”
Gregory Rodrigues Defends Post-KO Actions
Gregory Rodrigues later addressed the backlash regarding his follow-up punch during the post-fight press conference. He was resolute in his stance, asserting, “First of all, I don’t care what the people think.”
Rodrigues emphasized the nature of the sport: “When you go inside the cage, we sign the contract, we’re able to do everything. Because if he was on the other side and he did the same, why are you gonna be mad with him or something like that? He did his job.”
While expressing well wishes, saying, “But, I hope he’s okay. He’s a warrior like me,” Rodrigues maintained his position on fighting until officially stopped. He concluded, “I’m not gonna stop till the ref [says] stop. I just did my job, and I’m gonna keep doing that. That’s what I do. That’s what he does, and it is what it is. That was my night.”
Gareth Pendleton