Title: UFC Mexico: Ex-Champion Makes Comeback in Crucial Featherweight Matchup
UFC fanatics, get ready for some action as former interim featherweight champ Yair Rodriguez prepares to step back into the Octagon! Slated for March 29, Rodriguez will square off against Diego Lopes in what seems to be the headliner for UFC Mexico. This thrilling matchup was reported by Home of Fight's Jake Noecker and later confirmed by multiple sources, including MMA Hour's Ariel Helwani.
The buzz surrounding the event is palpable, as a total of 7 jaw-dropping matches have been confirmed:1. Featherweight: Diego Lopes vs. Yair Rodriguez2. Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer3. Men's Flyweight: Edgar Chairez vs. CJ Vergara4. Men's Flyweight: Ronaldo Rodríguez vs. Kevin Borjas5. Women's Strawweight: Yazmin Jauregui vs. Julia Polastri6. Men's Bantamweight: David Martinez vs. Saimon Oliveira7. Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Jose Medina
Lopes had his sights set on the title after a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega at Noche UFC in September. However, the title shot seems to have been pushed back, as current champion Alexander Volkanovski is reportedly in line for another title shot against Ilia Topuria, possibly in May.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez is eager to shake off a two-fight losing streak since February 2024, with his most recent loss coming at the hands of Ortega via third-round submission. After a long hiatus outside the Octagon, Rodriguez, 32, aims to reclaim his spot in the UFC featherweight Top 5. His possible ranking after this match could be as high as No. 5, depending on the UFC's decisions regarding Max Holloway's featherweight standing.
So, buckle up as March 29 approaches. With a lineup this strong, UFC Mexico promises an unforgettable night filled with thrilling matches, tension-filled moments, and jaw-dropping KO finishes! Keep an eye out for the epic showdown between Lopes and Rodriguez, and don't forget to tune in for the remainder of the action-packed card.
Diego Lopes, who earned a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega at Noche UFC in September, is now set to face Yair Rodriguez in the headliner of UFC Mexico. This highly anticipated fight is scheduled for UFC 313 on March 29. Interestingly, Ilia Topuria is reportedly in line for a title shot against the current featherweight champion, potentially pushing Diego Lopes' title aspirations to the side. Diego Lopes' next fight, however, is not against Topuria, but against Rodriguez, aiming to continue his winning streak in the UFC.
