Yair Rodriguez knows exactly what he wants.
The Mexican star has his sights set on the undisputed UFC featherweight title, not an interim strap. Rodriguez (14-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who’s coming off a win over top contender Brian Ortega in the main event of UFC on ABC 3, is confident he’s the most deserving fighter for a title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski.
And not only does Rodriguez believe he’s up next, he also thinks he’d serve as the biggest fight for Volkanovski at featherweight.
“In terms of record, Fight of the Night bonuses, Performance of the Night bonuses, main event slots, the fighters who I’ve fought, the fights and number of years I have with the company, I think I have one of the best resumes,” Rodriguez told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “Without a doubt, it’s the best-selling fight in the division.”
The problem for Rodriguez is that Volkanovski is eyeing a move up to lightweight in hopes to become a two-division champion. He plans on returning to 145 pounds at some point, but that could take time, and that’s why Volkanovski recently suggested the implementation of an interim title while he goes up to 155.
“No, it’s not something that interests me to tell you the truth,” Rodriguez said regarding Volkanovski’s interim belt suggestion. “I think even though there are very good fighters, I think they need to fight more or at least fight against fighters who are in the top five.
“They want to jump and fight with me, and I literally just won the opportunity to fight for a title. I don’t think that’s fair sincerely. I’m not saying they’re not good fighters. They do have good fights, but they’re racking up wins outside the top five. I fought B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, Max Holloway, Brian Ortega – you’re talking about fighters who were in the top five. When I fought Jeremy Stephens, he was in the top five.
“So I don’t care how you put it, but there’s no one else (in the division) who’s been fighting that type of caliber of fighters that I have. There’s no one that has the same number of Fight Night bonuses, main events – this was my sixth main event from my 12 UFC fights. Look at it any way you want, the person who deserves the title shot the most, whether you like it or not, it’s me.”
Rodriguez has profound respect for Volkanovski, but he’s determined to challenge him next. “El Pantera” ideally would love to fight Volkanovski toward the end of the year, and he’s open to face him on his home turf in Australia.
“Whenever they give me the opportunity, I’m going for the belt from the champion,” Rodriguez said. “I would love that opportunity (to fight him in Australia). That’s something that I would really enjoy.
“I have no issues having the crowd against me. I know every fighter has their people, and I have no problems with that. I, too, have people that support me, as we’ve seen in my fights, and that’s what matters to me. I have my family’s support and the people that love. The people who support you will back you whether you win or lose. Once you learn that, nothing matters. If you have the support from your people, that’s all that matters. I have no problem having the crowd against. I absorb that energy, and I’ll make a positive result from it.”
