Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez will look to stay in the UFC featherweight title picture at the other’s expense this weekend, when the 145lbers clash in a main-event contest in Elmont.
Ortega has twice fought for featherweight gold in the UFC and came up short on both occasions – most recently against reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski in September.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez has not yet challenged for the title but impressed even in defeat last time out, when he was outpointed by former champion Max Holloway in a fight of the year contender.
Ortega (15-2, 1 No Contest) is a jiu-jitsu specialist who has honed his striking over time, whereas Mexican Rodriguez (13-3, 1 NC) is a versatile and dynamic striker who should represent an interesting foil for the American. Ortega likely needs a couple more victories if he is to challlenge for the title once more, while the UFC has apparently told Rodriguez that a win here would secure him a shot at the gold.
Here’s all you need to know.
When is it?
The event will take place on Saturday 16 July at the UBS Arena in Elmont.
The prelims will start at 4pm BST (8am PT, 10am CT, 11am ET), with the main card following at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET).
How can I watch it?
The card will air live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
Odds
Ortega – 4/7
Rodriguez – 5/4
Full card
Main card
Brian Ortega vs Yair Rodriguez (featherweight)
Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Amanda Lemos (women’s strawweight)
Li Jingliang vs Muslim Salikhov (welterweight)
Matt Schnell vs Sumudaerji (flyweight)
Shane Burgos vs Charles Jourdain (featherweight)
Lauren Murphy vs Miesha Tate (women’s flyweight)
Prelims
Punahele Soriano vs Dalcha Lungiambula (middleweight)
Ricky Simon vs Jack Shore (bantamweight)
Bill Algeo vs Herbert Burns (featherweight)
Dustin Jacoby vs Da-Un Jung (light heavyweight)
Dwight Grant vs Dustin Stoltzfus (middleweight)
Jessica Penne vs Emily Ducote (women’s strawweight)
