Yair Rodriguez is seemingly within the good graces of Dana White and the UFC now, however issues weren’t all the time that method.
Rodriguez is at present a serious subject within the blended martial arts area amid speak of a probably controversial shot on the featherweight title, which Alexander Volkanovski won by beating Diego Lopes at UFC 314.
The Mexican has competed in two title fights lately. Earlier than dropping to Volkanovski of their unification bout at UFC 290, Rodriguez submitted Josh Emmett to win the interim belt.
However only a few years prior, ‘El Pantera’ appeared like he might by no means compete within the UFC once more, not to mention for a championship.
- READ MORE: Ilia Topuria is told that one key mistake may have already ruined his three-weight UFC title hopes
Dana White advised Yair Rodriguez the UFC ‘isn’t the place’ for him after temporary launch
The previous interim champion’s tenure on MMA’s greatest stage hasn’t all the time been easy, and Rodriguez was even once released from the UFC.
The Mexican was lower in mid-2018 after allegedly turning down quite a few battle provides after recovering from an harm, together with one towards the then-highly touted Zabit Magomedsharipov.
White expanded on the shock transfer throughout his post-fight press convention backstage on the UFC Struggle Evening in Liverpool.
“We supplied him fights, he turned down the fights,” White mentioned. “There was much more forwards and backwards that went on with that. In case you don’t wish to battle, this isn’t the place to be.
“There’s loads of locations on the market that may take Yair Rodriguez and would like to have him, and would signal him and I’m positive he’ll have an ideal profession. This isn’t the place for you,” White added.
After only some weeks in free company, bridges have been mended and Rodriguez discovered himself again below the UFC banner.
Yair Rodriguez now appears to be like set to learn from Dana White’s points with one other fighter
Quick ahead a number of years and Rodriguez stays excessive up the featherweight pecking order at No. 4.
The 32-year-old has been on a journey again in direction of the title after dropping convincingly to Volkanovski in 2023. And regardless of solely successful considered one of his two fights since, Rodriguez might have already got an opportunity at redemption developing.
After Volkanovski’s return to the throne, many have been anticipating the Australian to get his want subsequent. Volkanovski’s preference is Movsar Evloev, an undefeated contender who has gained 9 straight within the UFC.
However regardless of the Russian’s sturdy declare, it will seem that his preventing type and lack of finishes within the UFC may pave the way in which for Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez 2.
Evloev not too long ago took to X to disclose that he’s accepted a special battle for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. That has sparked rumors of a title shot for Rodriguez, which is broadly being branded as undeserved.
