When featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski moved up to lightweight to challenge for yet another championship belt, the UFC opted to let two contenders settle for an interim title in the weight class at tonight's big gala in Perth, Australia.
It was 30-year-old Yair Rodriguez who took home the belt after victory via triangle choke 4.19 into the second round.
The lanky Mexican had previously punished his opponent Josh Emmett with numerous kicks and punches, although Emmett also had his moments when he managed to close the distance to his opponent.
Rodriguez was awarded a bonus of around SEK 500,000 for his performance, which was named the best of the evening.
- I have practiced that strangulation.
I actually did it in one of my matches a long time ago, and then I thought of it today when the gap was there.
I have only respect for Josh Emmett, but today I managed to make the best adjustments and I'm very happy about that, he says afterwards.
Big title match awaits
"El Pantera" broke through at a young age and has long been considered one of the UFC's most unpredictable and exciting fighters, primarily at least with his spectacular kicking techniques, but this was the first time he got to go to a fight where a title was on the line.
Now he will likely face champion Alexander Volkanovski next, who returns to featherweight after last night's loss in the weight class above.
- He is quick, explosive and has quite good wrestling and jiu-jitsu defense.
I think it will be a standing match when we meet and it will be about which of us is the best on that particular day.
Who has the best strategy and who makes the best adjustments if you don't succeed right away, says Rodriguez.
The win was his 15th in 18 professional matches.
Josh Emmett's new match result reads 18-3.