LAS VEGAS – Christian Rodriguez already has a a return date in mind.
The featherweight is looking to get a spot on this year’s Noche UFC event in September now that he’s got in his first fight of 2026. Rodriguez (13-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) submitted Hyder Amil (11-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) in brutal fashion on the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 279 at the Meta Apex. It was a big win for Rodriguez, who snapped a two-fight losing skid.
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“No names right now,” Rodriguez said when asked what he’d like next. “I’d like to stay busy, though. Hopefully the UFC does a UFC Noche and if they think that’s a good timeline for me. It’s been 10 months since I fought, I think, so let’s see what the UFC says. You know, I’m always open. I’ve never turned anybody down. So yeah, I’ll stay ready.”
The win over Amil is arguably Rodriguez’s best finish in the UFC. Not only was it quick and devastating, but it also showd his full arsenal. Rodriguez wobbled Amil with a headkick, and then grabbed a hold of his neck to put him to sleep.
“Especially getting a finish in the UFC, man, this is the highest level,” Rodriguez said. “So finishing anybody in this organization means a lot.”
Rodriguez trained out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas for his bout at UFC Fight Night 279. It’s a new change for him, as he used to train out of Roufus Sport in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, Duke Roufus passed away in late 2025, which prompted the gym change for Rodriguez. He’s looking to make Las Vegas his permanent training spot.
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“Yeah, I’ve been loving life out here,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like I have more sacrifices out here. Living in Vegas has definitely been an adjustment to the Midwest, but I’m very grateful for my team, Anthony, Pedro, Eric. These guys have pushed me since Day One. It’s very, very cool seeing, warming that they pushed me from Day One. It’s like, I’m just this random guy on the team and these guys like show love and support for me, so it means the world.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: After Hyder Amil finish, Christian Rodriguez eyes return at Noche UFC
