Yair Rodriguez set to return against Diego Lopes at UFC Mexico

Former UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez will return to the Octagon on March 29 at UFC Mexico. He will face No. 3-ranked Diego Lopes in the main event, marking Rodriguez's first fight since February 2024. Rodriguez aims to end a two-fight losing streak. He lost to Brian Ortega last year and has been out of action for over a year. Lopes, fresh off a victory over Ortega, was hoping for a title shot but will instead face Rodriguez. The UFC Mexico card is shaping up with seven confirmed fights. Rodriguez is expected to be ranked No. 5 unless Max Holloway is removed from the featherweight rankings after moving up to lightweight.