YAIR RODRIGUEZ WITHDRAWS FROM UFC NOCHE MAIN EVENT WITH INJURY

Yair Rodriguez has withdrawn from his scheduled main event bout against Jean Silva at UFC Noche on 12 September in Glendale, Arizona, citing injury. Rodriguez announced the pullout via social media, stating he had sustained an injury during preparation that made competing inadvisable. He apologised to supporters, saying he wanted the fight but could not proceed responsibly under the circumstances. The UFC subsequently moved Jose Delgado into the bout against Silva.

Rodriguez, a former interim featherweight champion, has not competed since defeating Patricio Pitbull in April 2025. His last three fights before that victory included consecutive losses to Brian Ortega and Alexander Volkanovski. The 33-year-old had positioned the Silva bout as an opportunity to re-enter the featherweight title conversation. Noche UFC celebrates Mexican independence and takes place at Desert Diamond Arena. Silva will headline the event for a second consecutive year; the featherweight is ranked sixth and recovered from a knockout loss to Diego Lopes last September by defeating Arnold Allen at UFC 324 in January.

Rodriguez's withdrawal extends an extended period of inactivity that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of 2026. Silva remains in the main event slot despite the change of opponent, with the bout offering a potential pathway to her first title shot should she prevail against Delgado.