Garcia explained that Rodriguez allowed his existing contractual timeline to expire before exploring available options. That process opened the door for multiple promoters to express interest, creating leverage that did not previously exist.
“We haven’t signed anything,” Garcia said to Fight Hub TV. “Bam did tell me, ‘See what’s out there.’ So I did my job and saw what’s out there.”
Decision Still Pending
Garcia confirmed that the interest was not theoretical. He described at least one offer as unusually aggressive, reinforcing Rodriguez’s standing as a valuable asset in the current promotional market.
“Zuffa made a great offer,” Garcia said. “It’s huge.”
Matchroom, which has promoted Rodriguez during his rise to championship status, remains in active discussions to retain him. Garcia indicated that negotiations have progressed significantly, though details are still being finalized through legal review.
“They matched most of the things there,” Garcia said. “We should have something by this week.”
The sequence reflects a shift in Rodriguez’s position compared to earlier stages of his career, when promotional alignment was more stable. His championship standing and recent performances allowed him to consider other offers rather than automatically continuing under the same deal.
Garcia also explained that the timing played a role in how negotiations developed. He waited through the initial contractual period expecting renewal discussions, but when no immediate agreement materialized, Rodriguez authorized him to explore alternatives.
“After the time came up, I told Bam, ‘What do we want to do? Do you want me to reach out or do you want to wait and see what’s out there?’ He told me, ‘See what’s out there,’” Garcia said.
Rodriguez’s unsigned status remains temporary rather than indefinite. Garcia’s expectation of a near-term resolution suggests that Rodriguez’s next promotional home is likely to be finalized soon, determining the structure of his upcoming fights and title defenses.
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