VERACRUZ, MEXICO. – Ronaldo “Lazy Boy” Rodríguez has become one of the most exciting rising stars in the UFC, but his path to the octagon wasn’t typical. His journey from the streets of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, to the global stage of Mixed Martial Arts was inspired by something unexpected: a movie. Rodríguez’s passion for fighting was ignited after watching Never Back Down, a film that profoundly influenced the fighter he would become.
During an interview on the popular “Creativo” podcast, hosted by Roberto Martinez, Rodríguez opened up about his background, the obstacles he’s overcome, and how a Hollywood film became a key source of motivation on his path to UFC success. It wasn’t the first time he shared parts of his story, but this interview shed new light on just how pivotal Never Back Down was in shaping his career.
A Fighter’s Humble Beginnings
Born in the rural town of Jiquipilas, Chiapas, one of the poorest states in Mexico, Rodríguez’s early life was a constant struggle. Raised by a single mother, Rodríguez lived in a community with little access to electricity or infrastructure. His family, like many in the region, were farmworkers cultivating corn and pumpkin. By the time Rodríguez was seven years old, it was clear that his future in Chiapas was limited.
In search of better opportunities, Rodríguez and his mother moved to Veracruz. It was there that Rodríguez’s life began to change, although not without hardship. His mother found work as a housekeeper, and Rodríguez himself began taking on more responsibility than most children his age. By the age of eight, Rodríguez realized that if anything was going to change for him and his mother, it was up to him to make it happen.
Introduction to MMA
Initially, Rodríguez was drawn to boxing, much like his idol Julio Cesar Chavez. However, there were no boxing gyms in his area, and he found himself training at an MMA gym instead. At the age of 14, Rodríguez took part in his first amateur fight—what would become the first step in a long, grueling journey toward professional success.
“Four months into my training, I had my first amateur fight,” Rodríguez recalled. “I had about 22 of those fights before turning professional.”
Despite his dedication, life in Veracruz was not easy. Rodríguez soon felt the limitations of the local fight scene and knew that if he wanted to pursue his dream seriously, he had to move to Mexico City. At 17, he left home and found himself living in a gym, training multiple times a day while working part-time as a waiter and selling gelatinas—traditional Mexican desserts—to support himself.
“I’d sell them in the gym to training partners, the kids, and I’d also sell them in parks or to trucks,” Rodríguez said. “I got that from my mom. She was always a hard worker, and I had a good example to follow.”
The Movie That Changed Everything
When Rodríguez first watched Never Back Down as a kid, his attention was on the action. “At that time, I was just looking at the muscles and the girls,” he admitted, laughing at his younger self. But the movie stayed with him, and as he revisited it as an adult, it took on a whole new meaning.
“Watching Never Back Down again as an adult really opened my eyes. I saw it differently—it was about never giving up. Respect doesn’t come from hitting people; it comes from showing heart and determination,” Rodríguez explained.
For Rodríguez, the movie’s message was simple yet profound: the real strength in fighting doesn’t come from physical power alone, but from discipline, perseverance, and heart. This realization was a turning point. He decided to shift his focus from boxing to mixed martial arts, fully embracing the values portrayed in the film.
The character’s resilience and determination mirrored Rodríguez’s own struggles growing up. Like the protagonist in the movie, Rodríguez had faced adversity throughout his childhood and early career. Raised by a single mother in a tough environment, he knew from a young age that if he wanted to make something of himself, it would be through his own hard work.
Living in the Gym and Selling Desserts
Rodriguez’s gym in Veracruz was affiliated with ADAM, a gym in Mexico City run by brothers Rene and Daniel Diosdado. They welcomed the young fighter and allowed him to live in the gym. For the next four years, Rodriguez trained multiple times a day, living and breathing MMA.
“I was training all day because that’s all I had,” he said.
Money was tight, and Rodriguez supported himself by working as a waiter and selling gelatinas, a popular Mexican dessert. He sold them to his training partners, at parks, and to truck drivers. “I got that from my mom,” Rodriguez explained. “She was always a hard worker, and I admire her so much for it. She’s the person who has shaped me the most.”
Early Success and a Setback
From 2017 to 2020, Rodriguez fought 11 times, amassing a record of 10-1. His only loss was a split decision, and he even won a local championship belt. His impressive record caught the attention of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), a show where top regional fighters compete for a UFC contract. In 2020, Rodriguez got the call to compete on the show, and it seemed like his big break had arrived.
However, things didn’t go as planned. Rodriguez lost a unanimous decision to Jerome Rivera, a devastating blow for the young fighter.
“That camp was insane because it was during the pandemic,” he recalled. “I only had one coach and one training partner. I did the best I could, but I didn’t get the result I wanted.”
Bouncing Back
After the loss, Rodriguez returned to the regional scene in Mexico. But rather than letting the setback define him, he went on a five-fight winning streak. His perseverance didn’t go unnoticed, and UFC CEO Dana White eventually offered him a second chance. Rodriguez made his UFC debut against Denys Bondar, winning via rear-naked choke and solidifying his place in the promotion.
The Origin of ‘Lazy Boy’
Despite his ferocious fighting style, Rodriguez is known by the playful nickname “Lazy Boy.” The name originated from a ground control technique he frequently uses to finish opponents. “It sounds great in Spanish,” he explained. “In English, it’s funny, but in Spanish, it makes sense.” With a 75% finish rate, Rodriguez’s nickname may be ironic, but it speaks to his unique fighting approach.
A Promising Future
With each fight, Rodríguez continues to impress fans and experts alike. His recent victory at Noche UFC has further cemented his reputation as a rising star in the Flyweight division. As Lazy Boy eyes future fights and bigger challenges, his story will inspire countless aspiring fighters to pursue their dreams—no matter where they start.
