The undefeated prospect Cain “Sugar” Sandoval (17-0-0, 15 KOs) squares off against the veteran contender Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (24-1-0, 15 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight (140 lb) bout on the undercard of Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event. This welterweight/super lightweight clash pits Sandoval’s explosive knockout power and perfect record against Rodriguez’s experience, ring IQ, and resilience after his sole career loss. As part of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing debut, the fight offers high stakes in a new boxing era, with both fighters seeking a statement win to climb rankings.
Fight Details
Estimated ringwalk around 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (6:00-7:00 p.m. PT), depending on card progression
Venue: Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex), Las Vegas, NV, USA
TV Broadcast: Paramount+, UFC Fight Pass
How to Watch: Streaming live on Paramount+ (main card) and UFC Fight Pass (prelims/international); event starts earlier with prelims around 6:00 p.m. ET
Fighter Records and Background
Cain Sandoval (“Sugar”): 17-0-0 (15 KOs). Age: 23 (born August 7, 2002). Height: 5’8″ (173 cm). Reach: 71″ (180 cm). Stance: Orthodox. Nationality: American (Sacramento, California). Sandoval turned pro in 2021 and has built a devastating KO streak, stopping 88% of opponents. Known for aggressive pressure, speed, and power, he’s a rising Top Rank prospect with strong amateur roots.
Julian Rodriguez (“Hammer Hands”): 24-1-0 (15 KOs). Age: 31 (born October 28, 1994). Height: 5’9″ (175 cm). Reach: 68.5″ (174 cm). Stance: Orthodox. Nationality: American (Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey). Rodriguez turned pro in 2013 after a strong amateur career (National Golden Gloves champ). His lone loss came in 2021, but he’s rebounded with three straight wins, including a notable upset over undefeated prospect Avious Griffin in 2025.
Recent Form
Both enter on winning streaks, but Sandoval’s power surge contrasts Rodriguez’s veteran consistency.
Cain Sandoval Last 5 Fights:
Oct 25, 2025: W (method unspecified, likely KO/decision) vs. Jino Rodrigo (13-5-2)
Jun 25, 2025: W vs. Jonathan Jose Eniz (36-22-1)
Earlier 2025/2024: Multiple KOs in regional bouts, including 4 straight stoppages inside the distance in last four fights, showcasing improved finishing rate.
Sandoval is 5-0 in his last five (all wins, high KO percentage), riding momentum with devastating power.
Julian Rodriguez Last 5 Fights:
Jun 25, 2025: W vs. Avious Griffin (17-0 at time) – Upset win; Rodriguez down Rd 8, Griffin down Rd 10; wide decision.
Sep 24, 2024: W vs. Quashawn Toler (17-2-0) – Dominant performance.
Earlier wins post-2021 loss: Three-fight streak with decisions and stoppages, showing durability.
Rodriguez is 3-0 in his last three (post-loss rebound), with experience against ranked/unbeaten foes.
Injury Report
No reported injuries for either fighter as of latest updates (January 20, 2026). Both have clean health histories in recent bouts—no pulls or lingering issues mentioned. Rodriguez has shown resilience (e.g., fighting through knockdowns), and Sandoval’s youth aids recovery. Monitor weigh-ins for any late scratches.
Fighter Matchups
This 10-round super lightweight bout pits Sandoval’s youth/power against Rodriguez’s experience/IQ. Height/reach favors Sandoval slightly (5’8″/71″ vs. 5’9″/68.5″), but Rodriguez’s veteran savvy could neutralize pressure.
Striking: Sandoval (88% KO rate) overwhelms with speed/power combos and body work. Rodriguez (“Hammer Hands”) counters with precision and durability. Advantage: Sandoval early; Rodriguez late.
Pace/Cardio: Sandoval’s aggression may fade if extended; Rodriguez went 10+ rounds multiple times. Youth vs. experience favors Sandoval in bursts.
X-Factor: Sandoval needs early stoppage; Rodriguez thrives in decisions/grinds. Venue in Las Vegas neutral, but Zuffa debut adds pressure.
Sandoval’s KO streak (last 4 fights inside distance) vs. Rodriguez’s ability to take shots and rebound.
Fight History
First professional meeting—no prior bouts or amateur encounters. Both undefeated streaks (Sandoval 17-0, Rodriguez 24-1 post-loss) make it a high-risk showdown.
FIGHT ODDS
Cain Sandoval – 400
Julian Rodriguez + 275
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 22, 2025
