The much anticipated & hyped main event could not come through as a result of an unforeseen eye poke just 15 seconds into the first round.
Rodriguez landed a leg kick and just as he retreated used his left hand to push Stephens away. But the fingers pushed his eye causing it to shut down. Herb Dean and the doctors came over to check on Stephens. His eye couldn’t even open up. Even after taking full five minutes Stephens was still in pain and unable to see with his eye. Doctor and Herb Dean had no choice but to call a stop to the contest.
The crowd immediately ensued in booing the decision and started throwing bottles and other litter into the Octagon. An object from the crowd hits Rodriguez who tries to leap out of the cage. Within seconds, Stephens is being escorted out of the arena while Rodriguez gave an emotional speech as a result of this stoppage. The UFC should possibly now re-book this match up once Stephens recovers