Yair Rodriguez, the prominent featherweight fighter from Mexico, is gearing up for the most formidable test of his career as he prepares to take on Alexander Volkanovski in the upcoming UFC bout.
As the highly anticipated fight approaches, El Pantera has sent a strong message and cautionary words to his next octagon opponent. According to the Mexican fighter, ‘The Great’ is going to witness his unpredictable MMA style this week.
Yair Rodriguez confident in his unpcbn`redictable style against Alexander Volkanovski
Rodriguez is highly confident that he’s going to beat the featherweight king. In an interview with the MMA Junkie, the interim 145-lb title holder expressed his desire and plans on how he’d defeat Volk.
“I don’t know if I’m the most dangerous or not. I just think I’m the rival that can change styles. The rival that’s more unpredictable than the rest. The rival that’s going to be the most difficult to compete against,” Yair said.
Yair Rodriguez is such a fast kicker and unorthodox fighter, his kicks are snappy & unpredictable. I can't wait to see him fight Volk in 6 days for the Featherweight Title at UFC 290 pic.twitter.com/8lBkXAM12b
— • 𝒮𝓀𝓎𝓁𝑜(37 DAYS UNTIL CHARLES FINISHES ISLAM) (@YT_SKYLO1) July 2, 2023
In an attempt to unify the featherweight championship, Alexander Volkanovski is set to face Yair Rodriguez, the interim title holder in the 145-pound division. The highly anticipated showdown between El Pantera and The Great will serve as the main event of UFC 290, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 8th.
Rodriguez has a strategic approach in mind for the upcoming fight, aiming to be an unpredictable rival. El Pantera intends to keep Alexander Volkanovski guessing, as he plans to switch between fighting stances, alternating between southpaw and orthodox.
“Often times, these styles are very set in specific ways. You already know what’s coming. I have the ability to change my fighting style to my advantage depending on my opponent. I think that’s what’s going to be difficult for Alexander Volkanovski in this occasion.” Rodriguez added.
Additionally, he plans to introduce a mix of submission attempts and wrestling tactics, making it challenging for Volkanovski to anticipate his next move.
.@dannyseguratv believes Yair Rodriguez is the MOST DANGEROUS opponent Alexander Volkanovski has faced as UFC champion. Do you agree? 👇#SpinningBackClique | Full episode: https://t.co/xoZeNEmaab pic.twitter.com/fRMEjSm6kP
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 4, 2023
Yair Rodriguez claims Jon Jones once praised him
During a recent interview with ESPN, Yair Rodriguez reflected on a significant moment from his past when he was a 21-year-old aspiring MMA fighter training in Albuquerque. At that time, he received high praise from the renowned UFC icon Jon Jones, which left a lasting impression on him.
“He said, ‘Hey, can you come here, please?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, for sure.’ He’s like, ‘What’s your name?’ I told him my name. He was like, ‘Your skills are impressive. How old are you?’ I was 21 years old in that moment. And he said, ‘When I was 21 years old, I didn’t have those skills. You’re gonna get far in this sport. Just keep going.” Yair said.
Yair Rodriguez recalled a time when Jon Jones was impressed with his skills 👏 #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/R31fjNEsuU
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 3, 2023
The 31-year-old fighter expressed that the inspiring words he received from Jon Jones during that particular moment held immense significance for him. Rodriguez emphasized that the words of encouragement from Jones were particularly meaningful since they came at a time when they were not even close friends.
Yair Rodriguez’s UFC belt is incredible pic.twitter.com/l7kdZa32zg
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) July 4, 2023
Do you think Yair Rodriguez will be able to defeat Alexander Volkanovski? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
