A rare five-round co-headliner is upon us.
The next title challenger is at featherweight might be made clear in Mexico City as Yair Rodriguez takes on Brian Ortega. It’s not the first time the former interim champion has tangled with Ortega. The two first fought in 2022 where Ortega was unable to continue due to a nasty injury.
A win here could launch either fighter back to another shot at the title, which new champion Ilia Topuria now possesses.
The co-main event takes place from Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico.
Round 1:
Ortega moves forward. Rodriguez targets the legs with kicks. Rodriguez knocks down Ortega,. T-City gets back up but is swarmed by Rodriguez. Rodriguez pours on the pressure and attempts to walks him down. Ortega gets in the clinch. They separate. Ortega lands a combo. Body kick lands for Ortega. Rodriguez chops down Ortega with a leg kick. Rodriguez topples Ortega on the ground. Ortega looks for submissions off his back, however Rodriguez defends well. Rodriguez postures up. Ortega seizes the back of Rodriguez. Rodriguez works his way back up with Rodriguez sticking on him like glue.
Ortega takes Rodriguez down with a trip to end the round.
CDS: 10-9 Rodriguez
Round 2:
Ortega pumps out the jab. Ortega stays on the offensive. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands a jab before stuffing a takedown attempt from Ortega. Rodriguez jumps for a guillotine choke as Ortega topples him on the ground. Ortega defends the submission and works from top position. Ortega and Rodriguez trade blows on the canvas. Ortega bloodies Rodriguez with sharp elbows.
Ortega rains down ground and pound before the bell sounds.
CDS: 10-9 Ortega
Round 3:
Rodriguez gets off to a fast start against Ortega, who controls him in the clinch. Ortega takes the Mexican down. ‘T-City’ attempts an arm-triangle choke from top position. Rodriguez taps out in seconds. The referee waves it off and Ortega’s next steps are paved by victory as he walks away.
Official result: Brian Ortega defeats Yair Rodriguez by submission (arm-triangle choke) in round 3 (0:58)
Check out the highlights below:
Yair Rodriguez’s #UFCMexico entrance ⚡🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/OibvAUlLRl
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 25, 2024
WELCOME BACK BRIAN ORTEGA 🤯@BrianTCity submits Rodriguez for a HUGE victory at #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/fn2yVkU5V8
— UFC (@ufc) February 25, 2024
REDEMPTION FOR BRIAN ORTEGA 👏 #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/GfGfHGyS8H
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 25, 2024
