The featherweight division takes heart stage this weekend at UFC 308, with reigning champion Ilia ‘El Matador’ Topuria set to defend his title in opposition to former king Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway in the primary occasion of the night.
From Volkanovski to Lopes, an entire host of prime featherweight contenders have flown out to witness the title struggle in Abu Dhabi – together with well-liked Mexican striker Yair Rodriguez, who has now provided an important replace on after we may see him again within the octagon.
Yair Rodriguez affords replace on UFC return and potential comeback opponents
Former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez has skilled a stop-start few years within the UFC, having competed only a handful of occasions since his unanimous choice loss to Max Holloway again in November 2021.
In reality, the final time we noticed ‘El Pantera’ within the octagon was all the best way again in February, when the flashy striker suffered a third-round submission loss in his rematch with Brian Ortega.
Fortunately, it shouldn’t be too lengthy earlier than Rodriguez makes his return, telling MMA Junkie earlier this week how: “The whole lot is ideal, my well being is ideal and I’m simply ready to listen to again from the UFC about when my subsequent struggle goes to be.
“It seems like February [2025] or one thing like that; no opponent but, however the date is roughly February… I used to be pushing to struggle earlier than this 12 months ended, however I suppose the UFC had different plans on their books.”
In response to Rodriguez, the promotion is planning on internet hosting a Combat Night time card in Mexico Metropolis someday in February 2025 and he believes “that’s the place they need my comeback to be.”
When requested whether or not he has a comeback opponent in thoughts, Rodriguez said that he’d be prepared to struggle anyone that the UFC affords him, so long as they get him again on observe to a title shot.
- UFC 308: Ilia Topuria considers location for potential Volkanovski rematch ahead of Max Holloway clash at
“I all the time look to struggle anyone who’s in entrance of me or anyone that pushes me to struggle for the title once more… Names which were talked about to me previously have been Diego Lopes, who’s attending this occasion as properly, and Arnold Allen.”
Diego Lopes is reportedly the UFC 308 essential occasion backup fighter, having lately overwhelmed Ortega at UFC 306 in September, while Arnold Allen is coming off a powerful UD win over Giga Chikadze at UFC 304.
“We’ll see how that goes, I’m simply ready to listen to again from the UFC and no matter they need, I’m right here to struggle.”
Yair Rodriguez makes his prediction for UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway
“It’s going to be an fascinating match,” Rodriguez mentioned on the featherweight title showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.
“I feel Max Holloway has extra instruments, and he’s an excellent sensible fighter,” famous the Mexican, who was outlanded 159-230 in vital strikes when he stepped in to face ‘Blessed’ again in 2021.
“Topuria is an actual energy puncher, [but] I simply suppose if Max Holloway is wise sufficient to maintain his distance [to where] he can win the struggle… My prediction is Max Holloway.”
UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway goes down this weekend, dwell from the Etihad Enviornment in Saudi Arabia.
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