Thu Apr 10 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## “El Pantera” Ready to Explode in Miami Showdown Against Pitbull

**Miami, FL** – Yair Rodriguez, the former UFC interim Featherweight champion, is set to face Bellator’s two-division champion Patricio Pitbull in a highly anticipated clash at UFC 314 this Saturday, April 12th, at the Kaseya Center. While Rodriguez initially aimed for a fight with Diego Lopes in Mexico City, this matchup promises to be just as explosive.

The fight is the co-main event of a stacked card headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes for the vacant Featherweight title. Other notable bouts include Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett and Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva.

Rodriguez expressed his ambitions to face Lopes later in the year at UFC 320, but emphasized that his focus remains on Pitbull. However, he voiced his displeasure regarding Lopes’ representation of Mexico, despite the fighter’s Brazilian origins.

“I’ve been killing myself for the last 10 years for my country,” Rodriguez stated. “I’ve bled for my country, I’ve cried for my country, I’ve hugged the flag. I can’t be more proud of being Mexican.” He clarified that his issue isn’t with Lopes personally, but rather with the perceived prioritization of fighters who haven’t dedicated themselves to representing Mexico in the same way.

UFC 314 begins with the preliminary card at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The event promises a night of intense action for MMA fans worldwide.

Read More