Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez slated as UFC Long Island main event

The UFC is returning to Long Island, New York, and they are bringing a featherweight banger with them.

Announced by the UFC on Wednesday, former title challenger Brain Ortega will be taking on Yair Rodriguez as the main event of the upcoming UFC Long Island card. The event will take place on July 16 in the UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders. This will be the first trip back to Long Island for the UFC since July of 2017.

Hold on to your seats, folks 🎢 We've got a 𝑾𝑰𝑳𝑫 one headlining in Long Island! @BrianTCity vs @PanteraUFC

[ #UFCLongIsland | Sat. July 16 | 📍 @UBSArena ] pic.twitter.com/9Y5aBqo5Ch

— UFC (@ufc) May 26, 2022

Ortega is coming off a featherweight title shot loss against champion Alexander Volkanovski. The loss was one of only two in Ortega’s professional career, the other was another title shot against Max Holloway. Ortega is currently ranked number two in the division and he is hoping that with a win he can earn himself another title shot against the winner of Volkanovski vs. Holloway which will be happening in July, just a few short weeks before this Long Island card.

Rodriguez has had an up and own career so far with the UFC. He racked up six wins in a row to start his UFC path, before being released from the promotion for allegedly being difficult to match up, by refusing fights. He worked out his issues and was brought back in to continue his rise. He too is coming off a loss to Holloway, but with a win over Ortega, he could possibly find himself in a position to request his first title shot.

Between Ortega and Rodriguez, they have ten Fight of the Night honors. They are both very exciting fighters and with possible title contention on the line, this fight is sure to bring fireworks. With this being the first Long Island card in years it is likely to expect some New Yorkers to be placed on the card

The unofficial list of fights on this card is as follows: