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News, Blog and GuidesBrian Ortega and Yair Rodríguez meet in the main event of the UFC Long Island. The winner will have their sights set on Volkanovski and the title.
Álvaro CarreraAlvCarreraUpdate: Jul 13th, 2022 15:06 EDT
UFC has moved one of its Fight Nights from the Las Vegas Apex, taking the action to the UBS Arena in Elmont, Long Island. What’s more the organisers have gone for an early, early show, with the main bill starting at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Fans will be in the arena extremely early, with the show starting at 11:00 a.m. Even if you’ve got lunch booked, it’s probably worth changing your plans – this is going to be a serious show.
Ortega vs Rodríguez – featherweight two vs three
Brian Ortega, featherweight number two, faces Yair Rodríguez, currently number three. Both are targeting the man in the top spot Alexander Volkanovski, who was injured in his last fight against Holloway and will be out of training for the next three months. It could be a long road though, since the Australian also has the option of moving up in division.
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Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) and Max Holloway (blue gloves) fight at UFC 276 at T-Mobile Arena.Stephen R. SylvanieUSA TODAY Sports
But either way, Ortega (American of Mexican origin) and Rodríguez need to win to get the fight they want. Ortega’s last fight was, in fact, against Volkanovski. The champion gave him a punishing, though he withstood it. He has lost two of his last three fights, but victory would give him another chance.
Ortega the slight favorite against Rodríguez… maybe
Meanwhile, ‘Pantera’ Rodríguez comes from losing to Holloway. He’s won two of his last five fights meaning, just like his rival, he needs a win. The battle is going to be tremendous. Both put everything into their fights and will set a frenetic rhythm, what is harder to say is who is the favorite. Given his record in the big fights, the edge should be with Ortega, but once two are in the Octagon, things will be evenly matched. They are both complete fighters who can battle through any situation. This is going to be war.
UFC Long Island Main Card
Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez; FeatherweightsMichelle Waterson vs. Amanda Lemos; StrawweightsLi Jingliang vs. Muslim Salikhov; WelterweightsMatt Schnell vs. Su Mudaerji; FlyweightsShane Burgos vs. Charles Jourdain; FeatherweightsLauren Murphy vs. Miesha Tate; Flyweights
