UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, scheduled for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a featherweight matchup between veteran contender Andre “Touchy” Fili and surging Roufusport talent Christian “CeeRod” Rodriguez. Fili brings over a decade of UFC experience, while Rodriguez represents the younger wave of well-rounded prospects looking to climb the division.

Andre Fili
Andre Fili (24–12, 1 NC) is a long-time staple of the featherweight division and a key member of Team Alpha Male. At 35 years old, Fili’s style blends technical kickboxing with capable wrestling defense. He owns ten knockout wins, a testament to his clean boxing and sharp head kicks, and is adept at mixing striking combinations with level changes to keep opponents guessing.

Fili’s recent performances have been a mixed bag. He rebounded from a knockout loss to Dan Ige with a split decision win over Cub Swanson, but a submission loss to Melquizael Costa earlier this year showed his vulnerability in scramble-heavy grappling exchanges. His UFC résumé includes notable victories over Charles Jourdain, Bill Algeo, and Myles Jury, along with competitive battles against top talents such as Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar.

Andre Fili – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Melquizael Costa – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC FN, February 22, 2025
2. Win vs. Cub Swanson – Decision (Split) – UFC 303, June 29, 2024
3. Loss vs. Dan Ige – KO (Punches) – UFC FN, February 10, 2024
4. Win vs. Lucas Almeida – TKO (Punches) – UFC 296, December 16, 2023
5. Loss vs. Nathaniel Wood – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, July 22, 2023

For Fili, the keys to victory will be managing distance with his 5’10” frame, using lateral movement to avoid prolonged pocket exchanges, and capitalizing on counter-striking opportunities when Rodriguez closes the gap.

Christian Rodriguez
Christian Rodriguez (12–3) is a skilled and composed striker with a strong submission game, training under Duke Roufus at Roufusport. At 27, he has already built a reputation as a patient and technical fighter who does not get flustered under pressure. He has finished seven of his twelve wins inside the distance, including a slick anaconda choke over Joshua Weems and multiple rear-naked choke victories earlier in his career.

Rodriguez enters this bout after dropping a decision to Melquizael Costa, but he has previously earned notable wins over Cameron Saaiman, Raul Rosas Jr., and Isaac Dulgarian. His style revolves around maintaining a high guard, using feints to draw reactions, and countering with crisp boxing combinations. On the mat, he is opportunistic and often hunts submissions during scrambles or from transitional positions.

Christian Rodriguez – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Melquizael Costa – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 64, March 29, 2025
2. Win vs. Austin Bashi – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, January 11, 2025
3. Loss vs. Julian Erosa – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC on ESPN 59, July 13, 2024
4. Win vs. Isaac Dulgarian – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, March 16, 2024
5. Win vs. Cameron Saaiman – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, October 14, 2023

Rodriguez will likely look to pressure early, work his way into boxing range, and test Fili’s takedown defense while threatening with front chokes and back takes if the opportunity presents itself.

This fight is a clash of experience versus youth. Fili has fought a higher level of competition and remains dangerous in the striking department, especially with his straight punches and head kicks. However, his defensive lapses both in striking exchanges and during grappling transitions could be exploited by a composed and opportunistic fighter like Rodriguez.

Rodriguez’s advantages include his tighter defensive guard, superior submission threat, and youthful pace. If he can avoid Fili’s early power shots and force prolonged exchanges in the pocket or in the clinch, his consistency could allow him to take over as the fight progresses.

Prediction
Fili’s experience and power give him a legitimate path to an early finish, but Rodriguez’s durability, defensive fundamentals, and grappling versatility make him the safer pick in a three-round fight. Expect Rodriguez to survive early danger, steadily accumulate control time and significant strikes, and edge a competitive decision.

Prediction: Christian Rodriguez def. Andre Fili via Decision (Unanimous)

If Rodriguez gets the win, it will mark another step toward the featherweight top 15, while Fili may face questions about his long-term role in the division.