Yair Rodríguez

Featherweight Division

STRIKING

Punch Power A

Punch Speed S

Kick Power S+

Kick Speed S+

Accuracy B

Strike Defense A

GRAPPLING

Takedowns B

TD Defense B

Sub Defense C

Ground Game A

PHYSICAL & TACTICAL

Stamina A

Chin A

Fight IQ A

Reach 70"

SIGNATURE

▸Spinning back elbow

▸Front kick to the face

▸Switch body kick

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES

+Elite, blisteringly fast kicking arsenal with near-unmatched power and speed across all kick variations

−Below-average submission defense makes him vulnerable to opponents who can force extended grappling exchanges on the mat

+Unorthodox, unpredictable striking angles that consistently disrupt opponents' defensive rhythm

−Middling takedown defense can be exploited by persistent, high-level wrestlers who can pin him against the cage or take him down repeatedly

+Well-rounded skill set with strong grappling and takedown capability to avoid being one-dimensional

−Tendency to overcommit to high-risk flashy strikes leaves him open to well-timed counter punches from sharp, patient counter-strikers

MATCHUPS

BESTSlow, plodding, primarily defensive strikers with limited takedown and grappling offense who cannot disrupt his unorthodox striking rhythm or force him out of his preferred range

HARDAggressive, high-volume pressure wrestlers with strong submission skills who can consistently take him down, control him on the mat, and negate his elite striking advantage entirely

Fighter Intel

B TIER KICKBOXER KO THREAT

Top Attributes

Kick SpeedKick PowerPunch Speed

vs Division Average

Striking

Grappling

-3

Defense

-3

Physical

Combat Profile

Yair Rodríguez, famously nicknamed "El Pantera," is one of the most creative and devastating strikers in the Featherweight division. Training out of Entram Gym in Mexico, he is renowned for his unorthodox arsenal, including flying knees, spinning back elbows, and brutal leg kicks. His highlight-reel knockout of Chan Sung Jung and submission of Alexander Volkanovski showcase his ability to end fights spectacularly from any position.

Tactical Advantage

He exploits opponents who struggle to defend against dynamic, unpredictable attacks, often using range management to land crippling low kicks. Rodríguez is particularly dangerous against aggressive fighters who chase him, as he excels at countering with sudden, fight-ending elbows or knees. His success relies heavily on maintaining distance and dictating the pace to preserve his cardio for later rounds.

Same Division

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