Imanol Rodríguez

Imanol Rodríguez Pillado (born 15 November 1999) is an Mexican professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of October 3, 2026, he is #13 in the Meta UFC flyweight rankings.

Background He began his martial arts training in judo at the Club Deportivo Salgado in Ensenada, where he built his initial foundation as a fighter before transitioning to MMA.

Mixed martial arts career Early career On November 4, 2022, he made his MMA debut competing in the Budo Sento Championship, where he secured a second-round technical knockout victory over Dante Díaz; on June 30, 2023, Rodríguez defeated Uziel Gómez with the same result.

With only two fights under his belt at that point, Imanol began competing abroad; in his lone bout for Combate Global, he secured a first-round submission victory over Emmanuel Berumen. Later, he competed twice in the Fury Fighting Championship (FFC) promotion, earning two first-round knockout wins.

The Ultimate Fighter 33 Rodríguez competed in the thirty-third season of The Ultimate Fighter, where he defeated Arshiyan Memon in the quarterfinal via first round submission, but was eliminated in the semifinals by Joseph Morales, who forced him to submit in the first round.

Dana White's Contender Series He was scheduled to compete in the finale of the ninth season of Dana White's Contender Series and faced Roque Conceição Moreira Jr. on October 7, 2025. He won the fight and a UFC contract with a pair of strikes in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Rodríguez made his UFC debut on February 28, 2026, when he faced Kevin Borjas at UFC Fight Night 268. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Rodríguez was scheduled to face Matt Schnell on June 6, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 278. However, Rodríguez withdrew nine days before the event and was replaced by Alessandro Costa in a catchweight of 130 pounds.

Rodríguez faced Alden Coria on October 3, 2026, at UFC 332. Following a flurry of punches and a body kick, he secured another technical knockout victory, as well as another Fight of the Night award.

Personal life Rodríguez is in a relationship with streamer Natalia García (known as NataliaMX), president of Club de Cuervos in the Kings League.

He has expressed his admiration for former UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier, his coach on TUF. After his victory at UFC 332, Rodríguez stepped out of the cage to celebrate with him.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (Two times)

Mixed martial arts record

|Win |align=center|8–0 |Alden Coria |TKO (front kick to the body and punches) |UFC 332 | |align=center|1 |align=center|3:11 |Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

|Win |align=center|1–0 |Arshiyan Memon |TKO (punches) | |align=center|1 |align=center|4:26 |

See also List of current UFC fighters List of Dana White's Contender Series alumni List of male mixed martial artists List of Mexican UFC fighters

References

External links

Official UFC Profile

Imanol Rodríguez

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