Ronaldo “Lazy Boy” Rodriguez is one of Mexico’s fastest-rising UFC stars, and as he prepares to fight

Kevin Borjas

at

UFC Mexico

this weekend, fans are eager to see what he brings to the

flyweight division

. With a record of 17-2 and a growing fanbase of over two million followers, Rodriguez has captivated audiences with his explosive fighting style and never-say-die attitude. But what sparked his passion for MMA in the first place? Surprisingly, it wasn’t just growing up watching Mexican boxing legends—it was a 2008 cult-classic fight movie that lit the fire in him.

While most fighters credit real-life athletes for inspiring them to step into the cage, Ronaldo Rodriguez points to

Never Back Down

, a Hollywood film about a high schooler learning MMA to stand up to a bully. In an interview with Roberto Mtz, Rodriguez admitted the movie played a massive role in shaping his dream.
“You know what helped me a lot? Like, 'Oh I want that'... The movie Never Back Down,” Rodriguez revealed. “The first one, the second and third films were s***.”

The 2008 film starred Sean Faris, Djimon Hounsou, Evan Peters, and a young Amber Heard, capturing the essence of the underground MMA scene. Rodriguez remembers watching it and instantly knowing this was his calling.
“That movie has it all,” he said. “Everybody's ripped from training, they knock people out, and they get the girls. I was like, 'Man, that's what I need.’ I said to myself, 'That's what I want.'”
Rodriguez doubled down on his love for the first installment while dismissing the sequels: “You gotta see it, the first one. The others are s***.”
Beginning his pro career in 2017, Rodriguez has fought his way into the UFC, proving he’s more than just a movie-inspired dreamer. His last fight, a dramatic comeback victory over Ode Osbourne at the Sphere, showcased his warrior mentality and refusal to quit—qualities that make him a must-watch fighter.
Also Read: Molly McCann Explains UFC Retirement: ‘I’m Not Good Enough Anymore’
Now, as he prepares for a homecoming bout in front of Mexican fans, Rodriguez is living proof that inspiration can come from anywhere—even a Hollywood fight flick. This Saturday, he’ll look to turn that inspiration into another victory.