Two exciting fighters, Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett fought in the UFC 284 co-main event. The bout was set for the interim UFC featherweight title. While Rodriguez was the 2nd ranked fighter in the division, Emmett was in the 5th spot. It was a much-anticipated bout as both were amazing strikers. So how did the fight go? Let’s find out!
In 25 minutes or less, we will have a NEW interim featherweight champ 🏆 #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/xKuul10a1F
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
Yair Rodriguez was the taller fighter and he had the reach advantage as well. He kept his distance and used the long reach to land a vicious body kick right at the beginning of round 1. He followed up on it once more immediately with another kick. Emmett realized that he needed to close the gap to land on the Mexican fighter.
YAIR RODRIGUEZ BY SUBMISSION!
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
HE IS THE INTERIM FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION 🏆 #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/4Uwqgvj4Dc
While there were some spinning attacks from Yair, Josh managed to weather the storm and land a huge punch of his own. “El Pantera” was rocked badly and eventually went to the ground. “CC0” took the chance and landed some big shots on the ground. But Yair managed to survive and the bout went to round 2. The intensity seemed to be picking up as both stood their ground and traded shots early in the second round.
Yair Rodriguez submits Josh Emmett at UFC 284
Both fighters hurt each other multiple times in the round. While Emmett’s overhead punch was bothering Yair, the Mexican fighter answered it with some explosive strikes of his own. One such flying knee attempt from Yair ended with both of them ending up on the mat. While Emmett thought he would be comfortable in Yair’s guard, the 30-year-old caught Josh with a triangle and submitted him right at the end of round 2.
#AndNEW interim featherweight world champion, @PanteraUFC! 🏆 #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/lTxaCA6txd
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
Emmett was the one with a background in wrestling, but Yair took his opportunity and finished the American featherweight with a swift submission. He is now the interim UFC featherweight champion of the world! Rodriguez will seemingly fight Alexander Volkanovski to unify the titles at a later date. Fans have showered Rodriguez with praise after such an amazing performance.
The UFC community reacts to Yair Rodriguez becoming the interim champ
#ufc284 @panteraufc is on 🔥@ufc
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) February 12, 2023
This is a fight I love it!! @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) February 12, 2023
What a performance! Them body kicks by Yair Rodriguez were naaaaasty #UFC284
— شعيب (@Shoaibaftab99) February 12, 2023
Yair Rodriguez is an absolute killer. That was about as dominant as it gets against a tough as nails Josh Emmett. Can’t wait to see him fight Volk #UFC284
— Tim Sherry (@Showtime0925) February 12, 2023
Yair Rodriguez is quickly becoming one of my favorite fighters. #UFC284
— AfterSound (@AfterSoundMusic) February 12, 2023
I love Yair Rodriguez dude is just a tornado of attacks #UFC284
— MMA Addict (@MMACapone) February 12, 2023
Yair Rodriguez really turned the corner. Again.
— Dmytro (@Keanoff) February 12, 2023
He opened my eyes against Holloway. The guy from that fight was ready to defeat Emmett, but that he actually done it…
Here’s to the realizing of one’s potential. El Pantera just did that
What was your reaction to the fight? Do you think Yair Rodriguez (MMA record 16-3) can beat Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments down below.
