UFC Mexico City lived up to the hype on the night of Saturday, February 24, 2024, as the fighters inside Arena CDMX delivered a thrilling spectacle for fans. The main event saw Brandon Royval secure a significant victory over former Flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in a closely contested battle that lasted the full 25 minutes. Meanwhile, the co-main event featured Brian Ortega making a remarkable comeback, submitting Yair Rodriguez in the third round of their Featherweight clash. Let’s delve into the UFC Mexico City Results and performances of the night.
UFC Mexico City Results: Biggest Winner, Brian Ortega
In what could have been a disastrous start, Brian Ortega faced a moment of concern when he appeared to roll his ankle during the introductions against Yair Rodriguez. However, the resilient fighter quickly reassured fans that he was fine and proceeded to showcase his skills inside the Octagon. Despite a challenging first round, Ortega shifted the momentum in his favor during the second round, ultimately securing an impressive submission victory in the third round.
This triumph holds immense significance for Ortega as it marks his first win since October 2020 when he defeated Chan Sung Jung. Notably, it breaks his two-fight losing streak and propels him to the No. 3 spot in the Featherweight rankings. While this victory positions him well, further wins are necessary before he can be considered for another title shot in a highly competitive division.
UFC Mexico City Results: Runner Up, Brandon Royval
Brandon Royval delivered a stellar performance by going into Brandon Moreno’s territory and securing a close split decision victory. This win serves as a strong rebound for Royval, who fell short in his previous attempt to dethrone the current Flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja. Post-fight, Royval wasted no time in expressing his desire for a championship rematch, particularly targeting a third bout against Pantoja. If the promotion doesn’t prioritize Amir Albazi for the next title shot, Royval’s impressive victory might pave the way for his redemption opportunity against “Assassin Baby.”
UFC Mexico City Results: Biggest Loser, Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez, known as “El Pantera,” found himself in a challenging position after succumbing to Brian Ortega’s relentless pressure and ultimately submitting in the third round. The defeat marks Rodriguez’s second consecutive loss, a first in his career. Despite his vocal pre-fight critiques of the newly-crowned champion, Ilia Topuria, Rodriguez now faces the reality of being further away from another title shot.
While Rodriguez showcased brilliance in the opening round, Ortega’s subsequent dominance shifted the tide. The Mexican-born fighter will likely see a drop in the rankings, diminishing his chances of securing another title opportunity and a potential clash with Topuria inside the cage.
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Summing it Up:
In summary, UFC Mexico City delivered a night filled with intense action and pivotal outcomes. Brian Ortega’s triumphant return to the win column propels him back into contention, while Brandon Royval’s victory sets the stage for potential championship redemption. On the flip side, Yair Rodriguez faces the challenge of regaining momentum after back-to-back losses, requiring strategic adjustments to climb back up the Featherweight ladder. As the dust settles, the aftermath of UFC Mexico City promises intriguing developments in the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts. So, these were the UFC Mexico City Results.
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