- Yair Rodriguez is the newly-crowned Interim UFC Featherweight Champion.
- Rodriguez defeated Josh Emmett in the co-main event of UFC 284 to become the interim champion.
- Rodriguez is expected to fight Alexander Volkanovski in a unification title fight.
Yair Rodriguez became the second Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC title after beating Josh Emmett in their interim featherweight title showdown during the co-main event of UFC 284. Rodriguez submitted Emmett via Triangle Choke in the second round to capture the interim belt and earn the right to challenge Alexander Volkanovski in a unification bout.
Yair Rodriguez is THE NEW interim featherweight champion!! 🏆@PanteraUFC defeats Josh Emmett by submission to claim the 145-lb title #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/sGU3li6Z9M
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
This incredible performance from Rodriguez has made him a familiar name in BetMGM’s online sportsbook via the UFC odds. Will “El Pantera” get his outright opportunity to be UFC’s undisputed featherweight champion in his next fight?
When is Yair Rodriguez’s Next Fight?
Yair Rodriguez’s next expected opponent is Alexander Volkaovski, who still holds the undisputed featherweight title. The date and location of that big-time unification showdown are to be determined, but due to Volkanovski’s wish to be an active fighter, the fight may happen later this year in 2023.
Yair Rodriguez MMA Record and Statistics
- MMA record: 16-3
- 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 $1.6 million, including his base salary, bonuses and pay-per-view shares. His biggest single-fight payout came against Josh Emmett in February 2023, where he pocketed $270,000.
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.
MMA Betting Odds
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