It looks like two of featherweight’s best action-fighting talents are ready for an Octagon return. ESPN has confirmed that the UFC is currently working on booking a five-round Fight Night main event between former title challenger Brian Ortega and longtime top-ranked taekwondo stylist Yair Rodriguez.
Rodriguez (13-3) last took to the cage back in November of 2021—his first fight in over two years—losing an absolute war to former champion Max Holloway. That contest marked the first defeat for ‘El Pantera’ since a 2017 doctor’s stoppage loss to Frankie Edgar at UFC 211. Following a victory over Jeremy Stephens in 2019, an ankle injury and a USADA whereabout violations resulted in significant time on the shelf for the fighter based out of Huntington Beach, CA.