Former UFC Featherweight Champion Is Moving Up To Lightweight, Per Teammate

Former interim UFC featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez is permanently moving up to the lightweight division, according to a statement from welterweight contender Belal Muhammad. The move, confirmed by Muhammad via social media on June 29, 2026, opens up new possibilities for Rodriguez, who has long struggled to make the 145-pound limit and has been linked to a potential fight with Rafael Fiziev. Rodriguez, a Mexican star known for his flashy striking and highlight-reel knockouts, last fought in the featherweight division in February 2025, where he lost a unanimous decision to top contender Movsar Evloev. The 33-year-old has reportedly bulked up to 155 pounds and is training at Jackson Wink MMA academy with Muhammad, who first broke the news. 'Yair is lightweight now, permanently. He’s done with featherweight,' Muhammad said in a brief clip posted to his Instagram story. The move makes sense given Rodriguez's frame – he stands 5-foot-11 and has often had to cut significant weight to fight at 145. In recent months, Rodriguez has openly complained about the difficulties of making weight, and UFC president Dana White had previously hinted that a move up was being discussed. Lightweight is one of the UFC's deepest divisions, currently headlined by champion Islam Makhachev and stacked with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira. Rodriguez, ranked No. 7 at featherweight before the move, will enter the lightweight ranks unranked. However, a fight against Fiziev (18-4), who is ranked No. 11 at lightweight, makes immediate sense. Fiziev, a Kyrgyzstani fighter known for his Muay Thai, is also looking to bounce back from a loss. A bout between the two strikers would be a fan-friendly, high-stakes encounter that could quickly elevate Rodriguez into the lightweight Top 15. For Rodriguez, the move represents a fresh start after a turbulent featherweight run. He won the interim title in 2023 by defeating Josh Emmett via submission, but then lost a unification bout to champion Alexander Volkanovski later that year. Since then, Rodriguez has gone 1-2, with wins over Brian Ortega being overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test. His only victory in the past two years was a questionable split decision over Andre Fili in 2024. Now at 155, Rodriguez brings elite striking and a new physique. Analysts expect him to be a handful for most lightweights, especially given his reach advantage. The UFC has not yet officially announced Rodriguez's move to lightweight, but Muhammad's statement is viewed as credible given his close relationship with Rodriguez. A fight between Rodriguez and Fiziev could headline a Fight Night event later this year, possibly in October or November. If Rodriguez wins, he could crack the rankings quickly and eventually challenge for a title shot within two fights. The lightweight division just got more interesting.