Yair Rodriguez bounced back in style at UFC 314 with a composed and clinical performance over Bellator great Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, earning a unanimous decision and reaffirming his place among the elite of the UFC featherweight division. The Mexican striker’s control of distance, kick diversity, and fight IQ were on full display, making it clear he’s still very much in the title picture. So what’s next for the former interim champ?
Rodriguez vs. Murphy makes all the sense in the world. Lerone Murphy is a surging, undefeated contender coming off a breakout main event win over Josh Emmett. Ranked #8, Murphy is looking for a shot at the upper echelon—and Rodriguez, sitting at #4, is the perfect test. This matchup offers a chance for Rodriguez to stop a rising threat or for Murphy to prove he belongs among the elite.
Rodriguez vs. Murphy makes all the sense in the world. Lerone Murphy is a surging, undefeated contender coming off a breakout main event win over Josh Emmett. Ranked #8, Murphy is looking for a shot at the upper echelon—and Rodriguez, sitting at #4, is the perfect test. This matchup offers a chance for Rodriguez to stop a rising threat or for Murphy to prove he belongs among the elite.
Rodriguez vs. Murphy would be an ideal co-main event for a pay-per-view, especially if held in Mexico or London, or it could headline a UFC Fight Night. With both men’s styles and rankings, it’s a fan-friendly, high-stakes fight perfect for five rounds.
Last 5 Fights
Yair Rodriguez (3-2):
* Win vs. Patricio Pitbull – UFC 314 – Decision (Unanimous)
* Loss vs. Brian Ortega – UFC Mexico City – Submission (Arm-Triangle)
* Loss vs. Alexander Volkanovski – UFC 290 – TKO
* Win vs. Josh Emmett – UFC 284 – Submission (Triangle)
* Win vs. Brian Ortega – UFC on ABC – TKO (Shoulder Injury)
Lerone Murphy (5-0):
* Win vs. Josh Emmett – UFC on ESPN – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Dan Ige – UFC 308 – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Edson Barboza – UFC FN – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Joshua Culibao – UFC FN – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Gabriel Santos – UFC 286 – Decision (Split)
