Can Yair Rodriguez Out-Freak the GOAT?
Sheer Athleticism vs. Will & Skill
Yair Rodriguez is facing off with an absolute titan this weekend at UFC 290. Not physically of course, Alexander Volkanovski is only about 5’6, while Yair Rodriguez stands at nearly 6’ tall. Rather, Volkanovski is a titan of the sport. One of the most skilled fighters of all time, it is hard to imagine ANYONE at 145 beating Volkanovski after he dominated one of the greatest fighters of all-time in Max Holloway. This is doubly true after his incredible showing against Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
What does Yair Rodriguez bring to the table? Historically, he is not a very systematic fighter. He is known for throwing an incredible variety of techniques, albeit with little connection or forethought between his choices. To his credit, he seems to be improving. In his last outing against Josh Emmet, he seemed more intent on following a process and was able to finish Emmet within the second round. Not only that, he is one the most inhumanly athletic fighters to ever grace the sport. Sporting a granite chin, dexterous legs, and the P4P strongest kicks I have ever seen, he doesn’t always NEED a process in order to find success.
In most people’s eyes this is his highest percentage path to victory. He has the potential to leverage his athleticism to knock Volkanovski out with something crazy and unexpected.
Given his recent ability to slow the spazz down and follow a process, what can we learn from each Rodriguez’s and Volkanovski’s last performances? Rodriguez utilized his kicking game beautifully to slowly wear down Emmet, while Makhachev had surprising success striking from the outside against Volkanovski.
Here’s what Rodriguez should focus on if he wants to best one of the greatest fighters that the sport of MMA has ever seen.
Disclaimer: The video clips included in this article are not owned by the author. They are included for educational purposes only to illustrate key moments in the fighter’s career and demonstrate aspects of mixed martial arts techniques and strategies. All rights to the video content belong to their respective owners.
Body Kicks
In rewatching Makhachev vs. Volkanovski, Makhachev’s most successful and consistent weapon from the outside was his body kick.
This was helped by the open stance matchup, but Rodriguez is not one to shy away from switching stances in order to land his kicks, doing exactly that against Josh Emmet.
Rodriguez is further helped by the fact that he is a much faster kicker than Makhachev, and likely a much stronger one too. While Makhachev patiently waits to land counters without full commitment, Rodriguez throws everything he has into his strikes.
Makhachev’s strongest kick against Volk
Rodriguez slamming his leg into Emmet
Volkanovski allowed most every body kick from Makhachev to go in undefended. Though Volk will be expecting this, Rodriguez should be seeking to hammer this in as much as possible.
Makhachev used this low-commitment low kick followed by a hard body kick constantly
If it does hit, it helps slow down the feinting cardio monster that is Volkanovski. If it gets blocked, you simply wear down Volkanovski’s arms and have a chance of breaking them.
Head Kicks
Yair Rodriguez has some of the most impressive leg dexterity and power that I have ever seen. He is able to “lever kick” like others are able to lever punch, kicking off the same side multiple times with consistent power.
Against Volkanovski we saw Makhachev leverage his height advantage in order to find success with some clean head-kicks against Volkanovski.
As with the body kicks, Yair’s similar height, faster technique and stronger kicks can be absolutely crushing to Volkanovski as the shorter fighter.
Question Mark Kick is a perfect weapon to punish an opponent defending against the front kick
Where the body kicks ~can~ finish, they will mostly slow Volkanovski down, and can be used to pry a defensive reaction from Volkanovski. If he brings his arms down to block, Rodriguez can use this anticipation to connect his shin to Volkanovski’s dome.
Punching Off the Kick
Rodriguez is known for fighting like a maniac, and his variety of techniques make him incredibly hard to figure out. This is doubly true within and exchange.
Rodriguez’s most potent technique for creating an exchange?
Punching after his kicks.
Given his kicks are so powerful, they startle an opponent even when they guard the attack. This creates a perfect opening for Rodriguez to throw his fast (And spazzy) combinations with his hands.
Against Makhachev, Volkanovski was caught 2-3 times within exchanges.
On one hand, Rodriguez is not nearly as technically sound a puncher as Makhachev is, and he might not be able to land as clean because of this.
On the other hand, yet again, the speed and power of his kicks might be enough to startle Volkanovski where his loose punching technique might be able to land.
Yair Rodriguez is an absolutely incredible athlete, where some call him the “Yoel Romero of Featherweight” because of his inhuman durability, power, and speed.
Even so, no one in the history of the sport has been as skilled a fighter as Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski. I am excited to see if Rodriguez can continue to evolve his skills and decision making to further leverage his innate physical gifts. Good luck Pantera, let us see what you can do.
