Yair Rodriguez Showed Signs of a Major Concussion During UFC 284
The UFC 284 co-main event had two dynamic strikers go head to head for the UFC’s Interim Featherweight title. Yair Rodriguez overcame early adversity before submitting Josh Emmett by triangle choke in the second round.
Despite this victory, Rodriguez claims he remembers very little, if nothing, of what came after he suffered a knockdown late into round 1.
“Josh Emmett landed a punch in the 1st… I don’t remember much after that. Somebody told me after the fight that I landed a flying knee. I was like, ‘Did I?’ I just remember the moment when I adjusting the triangle.”
Rodriguez reflects on his interim title victory
Fight fans have been theorizing that Rodriguez was knocked into a flow-state, and his autopilot took over to win the fight. However, it’s more likely that Rodriguez was unable to commit the fight to long-term memory after sustaining the trauma.
Emmett landed a clean overhand right to the top of Rodriguez’ head late into round one, and followed up with some ground & pound.
Who is Yair Rodriguez Fighting Next?
As the new interim Flyweight champion, Rodriguez is guaranteed the next title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. In the rare case this matchup can’t be made in time, he’ll likely face either Brian Ortega, or the winner of Max Holloway vs Arnold Allen.
Mathew is a UK based combat sports writer. His work can be found in MMAKnockout and Heavy on UFC. Contact Mat via [email protected]