MMA Preview – Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega 2 at UFC Fight Night 237
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
YAIR RODRIGUEZ VS BRIAN ORTEGA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 237? Sunday 25th February, 2024 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 237? Arena CDMX, Mexico City (Mexico)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 237? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 237 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 237? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
YAIR RODRIGUEZ VS BRIAN ORTEGA LOWDOWN
Yair Rodriguez’s (19-4(1)) hopes for the featherweight title have been reignited after Ilia Topuria toppled the imperious champion last week. Alexander Volkanovski (2023) outclassed Rodriguez during his title shot at UFC 290 finishing him via TKO in the third round. That halted his momentum gained by submitting Josh Emmett (2023) at UFC 284 and TKO over Brian Ortega (2022) but it stopped before it got going.
That was because Brian Ortega (13-3(1)) dislocated his shoulder in the first round. It was a gutting end and has gone down as his third loss in his last four fights. He was coming off a unanimous decision loss in his title attempt with Volkanovski (2021) and TKO loss to Max Holloway (2018) which came before a unanimous decision win over the Korean Zombie.
YAIR RODRIGUEZ VS BRIAN ORTEGA PREDICTION
In their first fight, Rodriguez’s speed and accuracy on the feet was too much for Ortega. He was firing his 1-2 down the pipe, switching stances and landing kicks at will. However, Once Ortega tied him up, he controlled him in the clinch.
Ortega eventually got Rodriguez to the ground but that is when his shoulder popped out. The Mexican has underrated ground skills but Ortega has some of the best jiu-jitsu on the roster so it would have been very interesting to see how it would have unfolded.
So, the game plan for both will be clear and that will be for Rodriguez to keep the fight on the feet and for Ortega to get the fight to the floor. The odds suggest Rodriguez is more likely to succeed.
We are also backing the Mexican considering he was far more successful in that round and five rounds will give him more time to find a finish. However, Ortega proved he can land the takedown and his jiu-jitsu is so good, he only needs one opening so there is a lot of value on him considering the odds.
Prediction: Rodriguez via Decision
Value Bet: Ortega via Submission
