While focused on his 155 pounds challenge, Alexander Volkanovski must keep an eye on the Featherweight co-main event, where Yair Rodríguez and Josh Emmett contest the interim title to decide who will challenge him. The Mexican stand-up artist Yair Rodríguez and his American opponent Josh Emmett have arrived at this point in their career after navigating some tricky bouts of late. Yair Rodriguez overcame an injured Brian Ortega, while Josh Emmett came through a controversial decision over Calvin Kattar. The two top ten Featherweights go for interim gold at UFC 284 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
MMA: UFC Interim Featherweight Championship
Location: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 12.2.2023, 07:00
Yair Rodríguez
Nearly all of Yair Rodríguez’s fights in the UFC since he debuted in 2014 have earned Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night awards. The 30-year-old striker is noted for his unpredictability and elusiveness. His stand-up game incorporates all body parts needing his opponents to wrestle with him or risk being overwhelmed by his style. After a loss to the former Featherweight champion, Max Holloway in 2021, the number 2 ranked Featherweight rebounded with a first-round TKO of Brian Ortega, who injured his shoulder early in the round.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Reach: 71”
- Weight: 145 Ibs
- Record: 14-3-1
Josh Emmett
With two losses from twenty matches, the veteran American still pushes on at 37. Currently riding a five-match winning streak stretching to 2019, Josh Emmett’s last three fights have been decision wins. Ranked number five in the UFC Featherweight, “The Fighting Falmer” is an accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu who has brought his elite-level wrestling and grappling skills to the UFC. He has also improved his boxing skills, now packing a powerful overhead punch. His last fight in June was a split decision win over Calvin Kattar that drew controversy as many media members scored the fight in favor of Kattar.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 37
- Height: 5’ 6”
- Reach: 70”
- Weight: 145 Ibs
- Record: 18-0-0
Betting Odds
The Mexican Yair Rodríguez is the favorite to win the fight at 1.536 odds on Coinplay. However, the fight is most likely to go the distance with a decision victory priced at 2.5 odds on 1xbet. Looking for the upset is priced at 2.37 odds on Bet 365.