Sunday, August 7 from 11am AEST at Salt Lake City, Utah. Main Fight starts at approximately 2pm. Foxtel coverage begins at 10.30am.
ALL the hype in the MMA world seems to be centred around UFC 202 – and rightfully so – but the fighting purists are looking forward to seeing one of the best up-and-coming fighters take to the octagon this weekend.
The once-beaten featherweight star Yari Rodriquez meets the dangerous Alex Caceres in the main event of UFC fight night 92 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
The 23-year-old Rodriguez answered a few critics last time out when the flashy Mexican knocked out Andre Fili with a sensational flying kick which made the MMA world sit up and take notice.
Rodriquez said ‘that’ kick should help answer some of the naysayers, but is not taking is his opponent for granted.
“(The knockout) was a pretty good moment for me in my career because everybody was wondering if I have the power to knock somebody out,” he said.
“I just proved it. I proved that I have the power. Andre Fili was a tough opponent and Alex Caceres is a tough opponent, too. I came to do well this Saturday. I’ve been preparing myself very well for this fight and let’s see what happens on Saturday.”
This will be the first time Rodriquez has featured on a UFC main event, but the hot-prospect is not content just having his name on the company poster.
“This is my first time doing these public workouts,” Rodriguez said.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to be here, so this is a new experience for me. Another thing, this is my first time as a headliner of a main card.
“I feel pretty happy but it’s not my goal. It’s not just what I want. My goals are high up there. I don’t feel less or more pressure for this fight, I just feel pretty excited. I’m pretty happy for the opportunity and just hope to do well Saturday.”
His opponent Alex Caceres is only new to the division, but he has not taken long to make an impression.
After a three loss stint at bantamweight Caceres has made the most of his jump to the featherweight division, putting together two straight wins.
The bout against Rodriquez will be his first-ever headline event, but Caceres is looking forward to the spotlight for a very different reason than most would expect.
“I was more excited that I get to fight for five rounds,” Caceres said.
“Being in the main event doesn’t really put any more importance on the fight. I’m glad that I got an opponent like Yair; our styles match up very well, and it’s going to be a five-round war. That’s what I’m most excited about.”
Since the jump to featherweight, the 28-year-old American has experienced success, but the man they call ‘Bruce Leeroy’ believes the alleviated pressure of not having to cut so much weight has been the most beneficial aspect of the division change.
“The weight cut – not having to cut weight, I should say – is a big difference. I’m able to enjoy the entire process a lot more. A lot lighter in spirits, I guess you would say. It’s a big change not cutting weight and it’s a beautiful thing.”
What to expect in betting markets
One thing that is assured in this match is that we will see a contest.
Caceres has improved in many areas since making the jump to featherweight, but there is still question marks over his consistency and ability to go to the next level.
These queries will need to be addressed if the American is to be successful on Sunday.
Rodriquez proved to the MMA world he is multi-faceted, but will he wilt under the pressure against a much more seasoned veteran?
We do not think so.
The young Mexican looks to be one of the hottest prospects in the division and we expect him to walk over the top of the 28-year-old American en route to a potential title shot.
Winner: Yair Rodriquez – $1.32
Method of victory: Yair Rodriguez by KO or on Points – $1.72
Other fights on UFC Fight Night 92
Teruto Ishihara ($1.45) vs. Horacio Gutierrez ($2.78)
Court McGee ($1.43) vs. Dominique Steele ($2.86)
Chase Sherman ($2.14) vs. Justin Ledet ($1.71)
David Teymur ($1.81) vs. Jason Novelli ($2.00)
Cub Swanson ($1.27) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri ($3.82)
Viktor Pesta ($2.15) vs. Marcin Tybura ($1.70)
Maryna Moroz ($1.35) vs. Danielle Taylor ($3.21)
Trevor Smith ($2.22) vs. Joseph Giliotti ($1.67)
Santiago Ponznibbio ($1.67) vs. Zak Cummings ($2.22)
Thales Leites (1.53) vs. Chris Camozzi ($2.52)
Dennis Bermudez (1.43) vs. Rony Jason ($2.86)
