Yair Rodriguez

Tommy McMillen has publicly stated he wants to fight a Mexican opponent at Noche UFC. The Mexico-born featherweights currently on the UFC roster include Yair Rodriguez, Roberto Romero (0-2 in the UFC), and Fernando Padilla (2-2 in the UFC).

Roberto RomeroTommy McMillenYair RodriguezFernando Padilla

Belal Muhammad confirmed that Yair Rodriguez is planning to move up to the lightweight division. Muhammad floated the idea of a lightweight matchup between Rodriguez and Rafael Fiziev as a compelling future bout.

Belal MuhammadRafael FizievYair Rodriguez

Diego Lopes says he is indifferent about squaring off with Yair Rodriguez to settle the bad blood between them. The featherweight contender's lukewarm attitude suggests he is not actively pursuing the matchup despite the existing beef.

Yair RodriguezDiego Lopes

The UFC's newly introduced AI-generated rankings have prompted debate, with observers welcoming the removal of veteran fighters who had outgrown their top-15 placements, including Vera, Ortega, Emmett, Dariusz, Lewis, and Andrade. Critics have questioned the logic behind certain placements, pointing to flyweight Kevin Borhas sitting at number ten despite a 2-4 UFC record, no finishes, and a recent missed weight, while Charles Johnson ranks five spots lower despite a more impressive résumé. The AI rankings are currently running in parallel with the existing media rankings, with the old system still influencing matchmaking.

Jon JonesIslam MakhachevBo NickalCharles Johnson+2

The UFC's newly introduced AI-generated rankings have removed several veteran names from the top 15, including Vera, Ortega, Emmett, Dariusz, Lewis, and Andrade, which has been welcomed as long overdue. However, the system has drawn criticism for placing Kevin Borjas — who holds a 2-4 UFC record with no finishes and recently missed weight — in the flyweight top 10, while ranking Pat Sabatini seventh and Bo Nickal twelfth in their respective divisions without transparent methodology. The AI rankings will run in parallel with the existing media rankings, with matchmaking continuing to be based on the older version, raising questions about the practical purpose of publishing the new system at this stage.

Jon JonesIslam MakhachevKevin BorjasBo Nickal+2

Alex Pereira has hinted at possible retirement, stating he is now "scared to return to fighting" after what happened inside the cage and suggesting he may have already accomplished everything he set out to do. UFC has unveiled long-promised AI-generated rankings that run parallel to the existing journalist-voted rankings, with notable differences such as Jan Blachowicz appearing 15th at light heavyweight rather than fourth. Ian Garry promised greater championship activity than Islam Makhachev if he wins the welterweight title, claiming Islam fights only once a year and that his next defense could come as late as July 2027.

Islam MakhachevKevin BorjasBo NickalCharles Johnson+7