Mexican featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez produced a virtuoso performance to shut out former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull on the scorecards at UFC 314, then called for a shot at the undisputed featherweight title.
Rodriguez used his length and mastery of range to keep UFC debutant Pitbull on the outside, and punished the Brazilian as he looked to close the distance.
And, when the action switched from the stand-up to the mat, Rodriguez showcased his improved grappling skills as he escaped a dangerous-looking armbar attempt in the final round, then threatened to finish the Brazilian with a heel hook.
Ultimately, it was the striking that proved the key difference as Rodriguez dictated the terms of engagement throughout the fight to earn scores of 30-27 on all three scorecards.
And, as he chatted with Joe Rogan after his victory, “El Pantera” revealed that he’d been promised a title shot with victory in Miami, and he fully intended to cash in, with a title fight at the upcoming Noche UFC event in Guadalajara, Mexico, on September 13.
“I knew he was going to be tough,” he said.
“Honestly, I was picturing in my head a little bit different. I wanted to finish him in the first round. I was preparing for that. I had like a good technique, prepared for that.
“But the guy’s good. [He] has all the experience in the world. All the respect to Patricio Pitbull on his new journey here in the UFC. I wish him nothing but the best.
“But now it’s time to be focused on what’s next. Hunter Campbell, we talked over the phone. He promised me. He said, ‘You win your next fight, the title shot is next.’
“Let’s go for Mexico, September. I want to fight for a title there. Whoever wins tonight. I want to fight that guy in Mexico.”
UFC 314: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – for vacant featherweight title
- Paddy Pimblett def. Michael Chandler via TKO (ground strikes) – Round 3, 3:07
- Yair Rodriguez def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell via submission (ninja choke) – Round 2, 3:52
- Dominick Reyes def. NIkita Krylov via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:24
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Dan Ige def. Sean Woodson via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:12
- Virna Jandiroba def. Yan Xiaonan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Chase Hooper def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:15
EARLY PRELIMS
- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas via TKO (punches and elbows) – Round 1, 2:49
- Su Mudaerji def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore via TKO (punch) – Round 2, 3:16
- Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:52
