Former UFC featherweight champion, Max Holloway, has his next fight scheduled. Per what UFC President Dana White has told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, ‘Blessed’ will fight a returning Yair Rodriguez on July 17. Further sources have confirmed that neither fighter has signed the contract for the fight. However, the clash is close to being finalized.

Rodriguez, who last fought in October 2019, earned a decision win over veteran Jeremy Stephens. ‘Blessed’, on the other hand, put on arguably the best performance of his life against Calvin Kattar in January. He will look to build on that win.

Holloway deserves credit for electing to fight. As the top-ranked contender, he could have chosen to wait for the winner of the featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega. Instead, he opted to remain active and take on a dangerous opponent like Rodriguez, putting his status as the no.1 contender on the line.

Rodriguez, on the other hand, will return to action after serving his USADA suspension. ‘El Pantera’ will want to establish himself as the next title challenger. A win over Holloway will almost certainly help him get that status, but it’s easier said than done against ‘Blessed’.

The Hawaiian absolutely demolished Kattar in his last fight on the first UFC card of 2021. If he puts on a similar performance, Rodriguez will be in for the toughest fight of his career.

Max Holloway vs Yair Rodriguez: Potential fight of the year?

Both ‘Blessed‘ and ‘El Pantera‘ are two of the best strikers in the entire UFC roster. Rodriguez has a unique and creative side to his game which is hard to match for his opponents; Holloway’s flair, combined with his volume and technical striking, is a problem for anyone.

Stylistically, the fight promises to be a banger. It’s hard to imagine either fighter not willing to meet in the center of the Octagon and start trading. Fans are in for a treat in this one. Also, with the winner potentially fighting for the belt next, stakes will be higher than ever.

Top Stories

Dana White’s Nightmare Continues as UFC 325 ‘Robbery’ and Paramount+ Issues Anger Fans

UFC Star Gives Classy Response to Inappropriate Question About Ian Garry’s Family Amid Race to Fight Islam Makhachev

UFC 325 Payouts: How Much Will Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes, and Others Earn

Jon Jones Reacts to His Name Coming Up in Epstein Files

UFC 325 Fans Turn On Mauricio Ruffy as Conor McGregor Receives New Contender for White House Fight

Who gets it done in July? Let us know your pick.

Also Read: ‘I’m Not Trying to Be Overweight’- Stipe Miocic Reveals Plans for UFC Return