The Mexican UFC featherweight fighter Yair Rodriguez returned to the octagon after a two-year hiatus from fighting. He took on the former featherweight champion Max Holloway at UFC Vegas 42.

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The featherweight combatants headlined the main event at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It was a much-anticipated bout, and the fighters did live up to the expectations of the fans.

Both the warriors went to war with each other and delivered a stunning performance, making it one of the best UFC fights this year. However, it was the former champion ‘Blessed’ who came out victorious in the five-round gruesome scrap via a unanimous decision.

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Rodriguez, though, made no excuses for his loss. Instead, he lauded his opponent for his amazing performance. In the post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, the Mexican fighter said, “I came really prepared for this fight, you know. And Max is just an amazing fighter, you know.”He has a lot of experience and did an amazing job. He was better than me tonight and I don’t have nothing else but to accept that.”

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This was a second straight win for the former UFC champion Holloway. And he might likely go for the title shot next. Meanwhile, for Rodriguez, this loss marked his Second UFC setback. His first UFC loss had come against Frankie Edgar at UFC 211. Now, Rodriguez wants to move on from this loss and prepare for what’s ahead.

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Yair Rodriguez Will Move Forward From His Loss as Soon as Possible

Yair Rodriguez is one of the most amazing fighters from the featherweight division of UFC. He has an impressive professional fighting record of 14-3 (four knockouts and three submission wins) under his name.

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The Mexican-born made his UFC debut in 2014 and went on to win six straight fights. He has only two losses and is currently 8-2 in the promotion. And now after his loss against Max Holloway, the 29-year-old has promised to come back strong. However, he will take some time off from fighting before his next bout.

In the octagon interview, Rodriguez said, “I’ll move forward from this as soon as possible,” Rodriguez said. I want to get back home and be with my family and my friends and enjoy this time with them. Nothing but love and respect for Hawaiian people and obviously for Max.”

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Think He Was Going to Make It Out of the Second Round’- Dana White Showers Praise on ‘Lunatic’ Max Holloway After Win Over Yair Rodriguez

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After witnessing an outstanding performance from the Mexican featherweight, UFC fans will eagerly be waiting for his next fight. However, it will be exciting to see who he faces next from the division.

What are your thoughts on Yair Rodriguez’s performance at UFC Vegas 42? Let us know in the comments below.

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Afnan Chougle

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Afnan Chougle is a UFC author at EssentiallySports. Besides writing, this Media graduate is an integral part of the digital web stories team for combat sports. Before joining EssentiallySports, Afnan gained valuable experience as an intern at Jiostudios Production House. He uses his experience and passion to further his professional career and provide unique insight into all things UFC and combat sports. A Khabib Nurmagomedov fan, Afnan, has religiously followed MMA ever since UFC 229. Other than 'The Eagle' he adores Muhammad Ali. Furthermore, he is a fan of Joe Rogan and seldom misses an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience. Apart from his professional exploits as a UFC journalist, Afnan enjoys catching Hotboxin' episodes, honing his skills as an amateur actor and loves going on occasional treks.

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