Interim champion Yair Rodriguez has featherweight history in his favor at UFC 290; understand

Yair Rodriguez won the interim featherweight belt in UFC 284. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Yair Rodriguez has a tough challenge in the main fight of the UFC 290 against Alexander Volkanovsky, lineal featherweight champion since December 2019, but historical data can serve as an incentive for the Mexican. Before him, all three interim champions in the category's history became linear champions. Understand the story:

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The featherweight division in the UFC

Aldo receives the UFC belt for the first time: (Disclosure/UFC)

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Created in 2011 after the purchase of the former WEC (World Extreme Championship) by the UFC, the featherweight division had its first featherweight champion even before his first fight in the new organization. The Brazilian José Aldo, then owner of the belt in the now defunct event, was also declared 'King' in the new house.

The Brazilian defended the featherweight belt six times and was chosen to face the then featherweight prospect Conor McGregor, a loud-mouthed and talented Irishman, who had been lining up opponents and provoking Aldo with each interview held. The duel was initially scheduled for UFC 189, in July 2015. However, the Brazilian athlete suffered an injury on the eve of the event and had to be replaced by the American. Chad Mendes, which forced Ultimate to create the interim belt for the first time in the category.

The first interim title

McGregor and Mendes faced each other in July 2015. Photo: Disclosure

At UFC 189, in July 2015, McGregor faced his toughest opponent yet, but was 'helped' by the fatigue of Chad Mendes, who did not have adequate preparation, and knocked out the North American in the second round. The Irishman became interim champion and was ready to fight to unify the titles. The duel with Aldo was postponed, but it wouldn't take long to happen.

December 12, 2015. Aldo and McGregor finally entered the octagon but the duel ended faster than the time it took Bruce Buffer to announce the two athletes. In just 13 seconds, Conor knocked out the 'King of Rio', entered the history of the sport and became the lineal featherweight champion.

Aldo again as champion (interim)

Aldo won the interim belt at UFC 200 (Photo: Disclosure/UFC)

In July 2016, still dreaming of a rematch with McGregor, Aldo faced the veteran for the second time Frankie Edgar, now holding the interim belt, and won by unanimous decision from the judges, which made him the second 'temporary' champion in the history of the 56,7kg division.

However, in November of the same year, McGregor went in search of bigger challenges. The Irishman beat the then lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) Eddie Alvarez at the historic UFC 205, the company's first held in New York (USA) and joined the select group of fighters who held two Ultimate belts simultaneously.

Just two weeks after 'eternal glory', McGregor relinquished the featherweight belt and Aldo became the division's lineal champion.

New blood (and interim champion) in the category

M. Holloway was interim champion in December 2016 (Photo: Reproduction/UFC)

Still in 2016, the then Hawaiian prospect Max Holloway He was enjoying a great moment in the category and had won nine consecutive victories. After much exchange of barbs with José Aldo, the duel with the Brazilian did not take place and 'Blessed' faced the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) Anthony Pettis in the interim belt fight at UFC 206.

In the octagon, the Hawaiian imposed himself on the MMA icon, knocked out Pettis in the third round and won the interim featherweight belt, making his duel with José Aldo.

And the expected meeting between the interim and lineal champions took place at UFC 212, in June 2017. The Hawaiian showed courage and came to fight for the lineal title against the then biggest name in the history of the category, in Aldo's hometown, in Rio de Janeiro . Inside the Octagon, Holloway felt like he was at home and knocked out the Brazilian in the third round, winning the division's absolute belt.

Yair's turn?

Yair Rodriguez He is interim UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After finishing the experienced Josh Emmett last February, Yair won the featherweight belt and secured himself as the next rival of Alexander Volkanovsky, linear champion of the category for almost four years. The Mexican will have the tough task of not breaking the 'tradition' of the division's interim champions. The two athletes will head the UFC 290, which will be held next Saturday (08), in Las Vegas (USA).

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