Imanol Rodriguez made a strong impression in his UFC debut, overcoming an early setback to defeat Kevin Borjas via second-round TKO at UFC Mexico City. The fight took place on February 28, 2026, inside Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico. Rodriguez remained undefeated, improving his record to 7-0.
Imanol Rodriguez, a former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White's Contender Series, entered the Octagon for the first time in the UFC against Kevin Borjas during the main card of UFC Mexico City. The event occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, and was broadcast live on Paramount+.
The opening round saw Rodriguez initiate with low kicks and his left hand, but Borjas stunned him with a counter left that sent Rodriguez to the canvas. Borjas pressed the advantage, landing additional punches and knees in close quarters. Rodriguez, showing resilience, managed a takedown toward the end of the round to regain control after some verbal exchanges between the fighters.
In the second round, Rodriguez shifted momentum with aggressive pressure. He landed a left hand that appeared to wobble Borjas, who attempted to respond. However, a subsequent right hook caused Borjas to drop delayed against the fence, prompting Rodriguez to deliver ground-and-pound strikes. Referee intervention led to the TKO stoppage.
Rodriguez, who had previously lost a controversial decision to Joseph Morales in the flyweight semifinals of The Ultimate Fighter, rebounded with a knockout victory over Roque Conceição on Contender Series to earn his UFC contract. This win extends his professional record to 7-0. Borjas, meanwhile, has dropped four of his last five bouts, including a defeat to current flyweight champion Joshua Van.
The victory highlights Rodriguez's ability to recover from adversity in a high-stakes debut.
