Mexican · Mexico City, Mexico · Born 6 October 1992Flashy Mexican featherweight who won interim gold via TKO of Brian Ortega in 2022 and remains a top-5 contender.
Yair Raziel Rodríguez Portillo was born on 6 October 1992 in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, and trained for years in taekwondo, earning a black belt, alongside judo, boxing, and kickboxing, watching MMA legends including Fedor Emelianenko and Anderson Silva with his brother and cousin before an MMA gym opened in his hometown when he was 17. Rodriguez, nicknamed "El Pantera" (The Panther), turned professional four days after his 19th birthday in 2011, and developed into one of the most acrobatic and unpredictable strikers in the UFC featherweight division, renowned for flying knees, spinning attacks, and finishes that regularly feature among the sport's highlight reels. Rodriguez won the interim UFC Featherweight Championship in 2022, defeating Josh Emmett, before losing to Alexander Volkanovski in a unification bout, continuing to compete at the top of one of the promotion's most stacked divisions. Rodriguez has remained one of the most popular and marketable Mexican fighters in UFC history, his flashy, highlight-driven style helping to grow the sport's following throughout Mexico and Latin America.
Highlight-reel striker, former Interim UFC Featherweight Champion ('El Pantera')
How They Played
Rodriguez is known for his creative and unorthodox striking, utilizing spinning techniques, elbows, and kicks from unusual angles. He possesses excellent flexibility and timing, allowing him to land strikes that opponents don't see coming. His Taekwondo background is evident in his diverse kicking arsenal and ability to attack from multiple ranges.
Lasting Impact
One of Mexico's most successful UFC fighters, known for creative striking and highlight-reel finishes
Career Honours
- The Ultimate Fighter Latin America winner
- Interim UFC Featherweight Champion 2022-2023
Mexican Athletes