- Yair Rodriguez is the former Interim UFC Featherweight Champion.
- Rodriguez was defeated by Alexander Volkanvski in the main event of UFC 290 via third-round TKO.
- Rodriguez has a few other featherweight contenders to choose from for his next fight.
Yair Rodriguez came up short in his quest to be the undisputed UFC Featherweight champion after he was dealt a third-round TKO loss by Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 290 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It was his only fourth loss in his career and third under the UFC since making his promotional debut in June 2015.
There's nothing better.
All respect between @AlexVolkanovski and @PanteraUFC after our #UFC290 main event pic.twitter.com/67vrFou08i
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
Despite the title loss, “El Pantera” is still a household and top name in BetMGM’s online sportsbook. This loss also gives him the opportunity to improve and fight other top contenders in the 145-pound division. Who are the top candidates to face Rodriguez for his next fight?
When is Yair Rodriguez’s Next Fight?
Yair Rodriguez’s next opponents are No.4-ranked contender Arnold Allen, No.5-ranked challenger Ilia Topuria, and No.7-ranked contender Calvin Kattar. Although there is no official name and a definite date for the Mexican’s return inside the Octagon, a matchup with the aforementioned names above will be an exciting bout for him.
Yair Rodriguez MMA Record and Statistics
- MMA record: 16-4
- Wins by TKO/KO: 6
- Wins by submission: 4
- Wins by decision: 6
- Striking accuracy: 46%
- Significant strikes landed per minute: 4.78
- Significant strikes absorbed: 4.03
- Takedown average per 15 minutes: 0.79
- Submission average per 15 minutes: 0.80
- Takedown accuracy: 28%
- Significant strikes defense: 53%
- Takedown defense: 63%
- Knockdown average: 0.26
- Average fight time: 13:11
Yair Rodriguez Notable Wins
Yair Rodriguez has impressive wins over other UFC stars like Dan Hooker, Andre Fili, Alex Caceres, BJ Penn, Chan Sung Jung (The Korean Zombie), Jeremy Stephens, Brian Ortega and Josh Emmett.
Yair Rodriguez UFC Earnings
Yair Rodriguez’s total career earnings in the UFC are estimated at $2.6 million, including his base salary, bonuses, and pay-per-view shares. His biggest single-fight payout came against Alexander Volkanovski in July 2023, where he pocketed $1.03 million.
Yair Rodriguez Team and Corner
Yair Rodriguez trains under Valle Flow Striking Academy, founded by Mike Valle, who is also the head coach. Valle is a renowned world-class striking coach. Rodriguez’s other coaches and cornermen were Israel Martinez (wrestling coach) and Marco Beltran (striking coach).
Valle Flow Striking Academy is situated in Bensenville, Illinois, where other UFC fighters such as Juliana Pena, Leonard Garcia, Clay Guida and Belal Muhammad are also training.
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