Yair Rodriguez had a busy fight week, facing challenges both official and personal.
He was originally scheduled to fight Patricio Pitbull at UFC 314. After winning against Pitbull, Rodriguez expressed his desire for a featherweight title opportunity, which Alexander Volkanovski later secured. Adding to the mix is Diego Lopes.
Rodriguez and Lopes, both training in Mexico, have a strong rivalry that became evident during a pre-fight press conference in Miami. They exchanged heated words and needed security to keep them apart.
At the post-fight press conference, Rodriguez was questioned about whether his personal issues with Lopes were more important than a rematch with Volkanovski.
“Fans might see it that way, but personally, the rivalry can wait,” Rodriguez stated. “My main focus is fighting for the championship belt.”
“The conflict with Lopes? It will be addressed in time. But right now, my priority is the title fight, a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, and I want it to happen in Guadalajara.”
Rodriguez broke a two-fight losing streak with a victory over Pitbull, a former Bellator featherweight champion. Rodriguez believes this win, combined with Pitbull’s reputation, should earn him a rematch against Volkanovski.
Volkanovski previously defeated Rodriguez for the unified title at UFC 290 in July 2023. Rodriguez is eager to avenge that loss, but assured fans his issues with Lopes will be resolved.
“It’s inevitable,” Rodriguez said about fighting Lopes. He mentioned telling his friend Marco Beltran he would handle the situation. Rodriguez initially tried to maintain composure with Lopes, but Lopes’ disrespectful comments at the press conference, particularly about Rodriguez’s losses, escalated the conflict.
“That was it,” Rodriguez explained. “I couldn’t take it anymore.”
While Rodriguez didn`t detail the specifics, the issues involve not only him and Lopes but also their respective teams. The bad blood reportedly worsened after Lopes defeated Rodriguez’s teammate, Marco Beltran, at a LUX Fight League event in November 2019.
Adding complexity, Volkanovski has already defeated Rodriguez, which might lead matchmakers to explore other options. However, Rodriguez is optimistic about securing a significant fight at the upcoming UFC 320 event in Guadalajara, Mexico, ideally for the title.
“Volkanovski has fought globally,” Rodriguez pointed out. “He hasn’t fought in Mexico. Guadalajara’s elevation is reasonable, making it a perfect location for a major UFC event. I believe Volkanovski would be willing to have a rematch there.”
