"I wanted to fight Zabit. For me it was very meaningful to meet him because of the stylistic component. I wanted my contract to be revised. We negotiated and we insisted on getting a bigger purse for a fight with him in Los Angeles. Last year, I stated that I want to fight the fighters from the top ten, but this is only a wish - I am ready to meet with anyone.
“I felt that the fight with Zabit is a good option, but only if I get paid right. I understood how big this fight was, but they refused. Then I decided, if they do not want to pay, then let them organize a fight with Zabit in Russia. He called me to fight. I'm not someone who talks a lot, I'm used to acting," Rodriguez said.