AI SCOUTING REPORT · FIGHTDECK

Yair Rodriguez

20-5 MMA (11-4 UFC) Featherweight Mexican 33
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SCOUTING REPORT

Yair Rodriguez

20-5 MMA (11-4 UFC) Featherweight Mexican 33
High Danger

One of the most creative strikers in UFC — his unorthodox kick arsenal and offbeat style create openings that conventional fighters miss. Won the interim FW title with a triangle choke of Josh Emmett at UFC 284. However, a clear ceiling exists against the best — lost twice to Volkanovski including a TKO when he tired in round 3 at UFC 290. Hand surgery in October 2025 has him out for an extended period.

Physical Profile

StanceOrthodox
Height173 cm
Reach71 inches
Record20-5 MMA (11-4 UFC)

Finish Breakdown

KO/TKO
73%
Submissions
27%
Decisions
55%

Fighting Style

Freestyle striker with a Taekwondo black belt. High creativity, unorthodox angles, and exceptional kick variety. Former interim UFC FW champion. Has submission skills to complement his striking. Height and reach advantages in Featherweight. Has been in the UFC since 2014 with significant wear.

Strengths

  • Unorthodox striking — his creative kick arsenal is unique; opponents struggle to read him
  • Triangle choke — beat Josh Emmett for the interim title with a triangle choke — elite grappling
  • Creativity — his offbeat style creates openings that conventional fighters miss
  • Reach advantage — 71-inch reach in a division where many fighters have shorter reach
  • Experience — fights top-tier opponents regularly; UFC since 2014; TUF Latin America winner

Weaknesses

  • Takedown defense — gave up 7 takedowns to Volkanovski in UFC 290; exploitable
  • Chin — has been knocked out clean (Volkanovski TKO at UFC 290); not chin-heavy
  • Durability — hand surgery in October 2025; extended layoff
  • Age — 33 years old; has been in UFC since 2014 with significant wear
  • Finish rate — many decisions; doesnt always close the show even when winning
  • Struggles vs elite — lost to Volkanovski twice; has a clear ceiling against the best

Style Tendencies

  • High creativity — will throw unusual techniques in combinations
  • Uses body kicks frequently to set up head work
  • Capable of finishing from scrambles — triangle choke is a real threat
  • Can fade late in fights if the pace isnt maintained

Recent Form

1-1 in his last 2 — beat Patricio Pitbull (UD at UFC 314, Apr 2025) but lost to Volkanovski (TKO at UFC 290, Jul 2023). Currently recovering from hand surgery.

Key Fights

LOSS Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 290) TKO Title unification; lost when tired at R3 — Jul 2023
WIN Patricio Pitbull (UFC 314) UD Redemptive win; beat former Bellator double champ — Apr 2025
WIN Josh Emmett (UFC 284) SUB (triangle choke R2) Won interim FW title — Feb 2023
LOSS Brian Ortega (UFC on ABC 3) TKO Dislocated shoulder in R1; lost title opportunity — Jul 2022
WIN Brian Ortega rematch (UFC Fight Night 237) SUB (arm triangle R3) Beat Ortega in dominant fashion — Feb 2024

Recommended Game Plan

Wrestle early and often — his TD defense is poor and exploitable. Pressure when hes against the cage — his best striking is in open space. Watch the body kicks he goes to frequently. Push the pace from round 1 — hes slowed late in fights.

Standing

Use body kicks to cut him off at mid-range. Watch the creativity — hell throw unusual techniques. Pressure when hes against the cage.

Clinch

Chain-wrestle him repeatedly — dont give him time to establish his striking game. Work for takedowns early.

Ground

Control from top position. He doesnt have great scrambling defense — once on top, stay heavy.

Key Instructions
  1. Wrestle from the opening seconds — his TD defense is exploitable and gives up position
  2. Pressure him against the cage where his striking game is limited
  3. Watch for body kicks — he uses them frequently and exploitable with cage work
  4. Push the pace early — hes slowed late in fights and thats where his chin gets exposed

⚠ This report is based on publicly available fight data and AI analysis. Not financial or medical advice.

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