Y. Rodriguez (left) and J. Stephens (right). Photo: Reproduction/YouTube MMA Fighting
O ufc boston, which takes place this Friday (18), will have a decisive taste for two athletes in particular. Yair Rodriguez e Jeremy Stephens are the co-main fight of the event and will solve a problem created almost a month ago, when they had the fight in UFC Mexico City interrupted after the North American suffered an illegal blow to the eye and stated that he was unable to continue in the dispute. According to Rodriguez, the incident only increased the rivalry between them and turned into something bigger. The statement was made to 'Combate'.
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“It will be a completely different fight this time. I know that now I will face something personal, but it will be a completely different opponent. Mentally, it's a different place. I think I have the advantage now. I feel great, my preparation for the last fight was the best. The other time it was in front of the Mexican public, who were cheering for me. I feel lighter this time, because all this support can somehow turn into pressure, so now I can perform better. The responsibility makes me go into this fight more relaxed now”, said the featherweight.
Rodriguez also commented on Jeremy's attitude of not wanting to continue the fight. According to the Mexican, the North American was capable of fighting, but avoided the confrontation as he felt the pressure of commitment. Stephens' attitude generated criticism from Paulo borrachinha, who, after the incident, stated that the athlete should not play for Ultimate.
“I didn’t put my finger in his eye. His body language was 'I don't want to fight' and, in that first contact, it seemed like he didn't want to fight again”, commented Yair.
The athletes met at the hotel where they were staying after the show. At the time, what seemed like a friendly conversation turned into almost confusion. Rodriguez approached Jeremy to talk, when, after exchanging a few words, he was pushed by the American. The fighters were then restrained by people nearby.
This Friday, Yair will try to get back on track to winning ways. Before the UFC Mexico City, the athlete was coming off a victory over Korean zombie, which took place in November last year. The 27-year-old Mexican currently has 12 wins and two defeats in his professional record. The fighter occupies seventh place in the featherweight rankings.
In eighth, the experienced Stephens is looking for the 29th triumph of his career, which has already spanned an impressive 45 appearances. The athlete, who is only 33 years old, before the 'No contest', had two consecutive defeats, one of them to José Aldo, in July last year.
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