Keep your eyes on this Flyweight prospect …
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the “City of Palaces” this weekend (Sat., Feb. 28, 2026) for UFC Mexico City, which takes place inside Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico. In the main event, former two-time Flyweight champion Brandon Moreno faces surging prospect Lone’er Kavanagh in a classic veteran-versus-up-and-comer matchup.
There are several up-and-coming fighters featured throughout the card this weekend, but let’s give you one to really keep your eyes on.
Without further ado …
The UFC’s Flyweight division is on fire with several young, talented prospects scattered in and outside of the top 15 rankings — and 26-year-old Imanol Rodriguez is another excellent addition as he is a straight-up killer.
Rodriguez makes his official UFC debut after earning a contract on Season 9 of Contender Series, where he scored a vicious uppercut knockout over Roque Conceicao.
Rodriguez enters the Octagon undefeated at 6-0. The only blemish on his broader competitive record came in an exhibition bout on Season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he dropped a razor-close split decision to eventual winner Joseph Morales — a fight that many (including me) believe he won.
Rodriguez developed much of his early career under two-time title challenger Diego Lopes, and that influence shows. He’s ultra-aggressive, marches forward relentlessly, and boasts a 100 percent finish rate — five knockouts and one submission. Now, the young Mexican has added another notable mentor to his team, recently spending time training with former two-division champion Daniel Cormier at his new academy.
That’s a solid trade-up in coaching experience.
“Himan” fights with blistering speed and real power. He’s more than willing to eat a shot to land one — though few opponents have had the chance, as he’s bulldozed through most of his competition.
And while he’s known for his boxing and striking, he has a background in Sambo and even won gold at the 2019 Pan American SAMBO Championships.
He draws a tough test in Kevin Borjas, a seasoned UFC veteran who has gone three hard rounds with the current Flyweight champion. Borjas owns the experience edge, but oddsmakers still have Rodriguez installed as a hefty -420 favorite — and it’s easy to see why.
If Borjas turns this into a firefight, Rodriguez could put his lights out early. If Borjas fights disciplined and tactical, this could be far more competitive than the odds indicate.
Still, fighting in front of a home crowd in Mexico, this feels tailor-made for Rodriguez to shine.
