It would seem like the UFC has had a change of heart when it comes to Yair Rodriguez and his employment status because the fighter may be back in the promotion. The promotion had cut Rodriguez back on May 11 of this year for allegedly turning down fights against Magomedsharipov and Ricardo Lamas.
According to tweets from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, not only is Rodriguez potentially back in the company, but would be fighting Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC 228.
The following is what Okamoto tweeted on the situation:
BREAKING: The Yair Rodriguez/UFC situation has apparently done a 180. Rodriguez vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov is now verbally agreed to for UFC 228 in September.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 1, 2018
I'm told UFC is rescinding its termination letter to Yair Rodriguez, essentially reinstating his contract. The Magomedsharipov fight is not signed yet, but is UFC 228 on Sept. 8. No location finalized for that event.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 1, 2018
There has been no comment from the UFC at this time, or from either potential UFC 228 competitors in Rodriguez or Magomedsharipov. There is also no word yet on why the UFC changed their minds when it comes to Rodriguez and his status within the organization.
UFC 228 takes place on Saturday, September 8 from a location to be announced and with a main event to be announced. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
