SUMMARY
- Yar Rodriguez took on Brian Ortega at UFC Mexico.
- Despite a promising first round, Yair suffered a submission loss in Round 3.
UFC Mexico is in the books and we have had an electric night of fighting. Whilst the event brought a lot of joy and success to many, it also left others in despair and dejection. With that said, one of the more surprising losses was that of Yair Rodriguez.
For those unaware, ‘El Pantera’ took on Brian Ortega in the co-main event of UFC Mexico. In what was a rematch of their 2022 bout, the two fighters were expected to have a lights-out contest. As for their previous contest, it was deemed a no-contest in the minds of the fans and the fighters after Ortega suffered a brutal shoulder injury.
Co-main starts NOW 🚨 #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/3zcYcTmk8s
— UFC (@ufc) February 25, 2024
Thus, it was a shot at redemption for both fighters and a chance to make a case for the title shot. Coming into the fight, there was a lot of talk regarding Ortega’s #4 spot in the rankings. Having had a two-year layoff, many were not happy with him getting a fight against the #3 ranked contender in Yair.
Yair Rodriguez lost to Brian Ortega at UFC Mexico
For the most part, it was quite clear that the event was marred with numerous mishaps. Notably, an all-out brawl ensued during one of the fights. Similarly, Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios was canceled at the eleventh hour owing to an illness to Rosas. Not only that, but even announcer Bruce Buffer made a mistake by announcing the wrong scorecards for a fight.
All things considered, many were glad that the co-main event was left unharmed. However, it was almost not to be as Brian Ortega seemingly rolled his ankle during the fighter introductions. Despite this, the fight still continued with Ortega understandably starting on the back foot.
WELCOME BACK BRIAN ORTEGA 🤯@BrianTCity submits Rodriguez for a HUGE victory at #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/fn2yVkU5V8
— UFC (@ufc) February 25, 2024
As such, Yair Rodriguez went to town regardless, landing heavy kicks on his opponent. Whilst Yair clearly took the first round, ‘T-City’ clawed his way back in the second, landing some very effective elbow strikes. Having taken the second round, Ortega found success in the third by hauling his opponent to the fence and locking in a ruthless armbar for the win.
Who will be Yair Rodriguez’s next opponent?
Naturally, many were left surprised by the comeback made by Ortega. Despite many considering him to be compromised before the fight even began, the adrenaline from the fight likely carried him through. Although his performance was nothing extremely spectacular, it was a noteworthy performance regardless, one that also fetched him a bonus.
As for Yair Rodriguez, it leaves him in a tricky spot, losing a fight that many thought he would win. Thus, he will likely need to do some soul-searching after this setback as he figures out his next move. With that said, it is likely that the Mexican will still be in the featherweight top 5. However, with Ortega, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovksi all ahead and with a win over him, Yair will likely need to fight down.
Currently, the division is crawling with top contenders with guys like Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev. Whilst Evloev is unlikely to entertain a fight against Yair, the Mexican should also stay clear of him for now. As such, it leaves the door open for a fight against Allen or the winner of Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling at UFC 300. All things considered, all is not lost and the 31-year-old can easily mount a solid comeback.