Fast-rising prospect Yair Rodriguez was on his way to becoming the UFC’s next big name. After an impressive UFC run that was showcased by a decisive second-round TKO victory over two-weight world champion B.J. Penn, the 25-year-old fighter even aimed to surpass Canelo Alvarez and become Mexico’s ultimate combat sports superstar.
Rodriguez’s winning ways came to a halt at UFC 211 last May, when he was dominated and stopped by former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in the second round. In a recent interview with ESPN, Rodriguez attributed this loss to the pressure and expectations that were set for him.