Venue Location
Arena CDMX (formerly Palacio de los Deportes), Mexico City, Mexico. This historic indoor arena in central Mexico City is at high altitude (~7,350 ft / 2,240 m), which tests cardio and rewards fighters with efficient pacing, strong grappling, or finishing power over high-output fighters who gas. The Octagon setup maximizes crowd visibility, and with Rodriguez as a Mexican debutant, expect huge home support to fuel energy on this Mexico City card.
Time
Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CST (Paramount+)
- Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CST (Paramount+)
The Imanol Rodriguez vs. Kevin Borjas flyweight bout is on the main card (early-to-mid main card, around fights 3–6 of 13 total). Expected walkouts in the 8:30–9:30 PM ET window. Full event spans 4–6 hours.
Injury Report
No reported injuries, withdrawals, or health concerns for either fighter as of February 23–24, 2026.
- Imanol Rodriguez is cleared and healthy for his UFC debut; no issues from DWCS or TUF camps.
- Kevin Borjas recovered from his August 2025 decision loss with no flags; both prepared for altitude (key in Mexico City). UFC confirms event safety amid regional monitoring.
Fighter Matchups / Tale of the Tape
Imanol Rodriguez (“Himan”) vs. Kevin Borjas (“El Gallo Negro”) – Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Rodriguez: 26 years old (born November 15, 1999), 6-0-0 pro (UFC debut), 5’4″ (163 cm), 64″ reach, orthodox, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico (The Academy Fight Club). Power puncher (5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB; 100% finish rate), explosive early, DWCS standout with heavy hands for flyweight.
- Borjas: 28 years old (born December 6, 1997), 10-4-0 pro (1-3 UFC), 5’5″ (165 cm), 65–69″ reach (estimated), orthodox, Lima, Peru. KO artist (8 KO/TKO wins, 80%), durable chin, but UFC struggles (recent decision loss).
Style Breakdown: Rodriguez brings undefeated finishing power (83% KO/TKO), aggression, and debut momentum—seeks early bombs. Borjas counters with power (high KO rate) and experience but lower efficiency (UFC SLpM ~4.19, 44% accuracy) and vulnerabilities (recent UD loss). Rodriguez holds edges in youth, undefeated streak, finishing rate, and home crowd; Borjas has Octagon time (1-3) but altitude/short-notice feel. Expect stand-up fireworks—early KO potential high.
Recent Form
- Rodriguez (6-0, undefeated): Explosive prospect. DWCS Season 9 (October 2025): KO/TKO (punches) R1 vs. Roque Conceição (2:12)—earned contract with power display. TUF 33 semifinalist (split decision loss to Joseph Morales). Regional wins all finishes; sharp, motivated for debut in Mexico City.
- Borjas (10-4, 1-3 UFC): Mixed Octagon run. Loss: UD to Sumudaerji (August 23, 2025). Win: UD over Ronaldo Rodríguez (March 29, 2025). Loss: KO/TKO to Alessandro Costa (May 4, 2024, UFC 301). UFC debut showed power but recent fights highlight pace/defense issues.
Fight History / Key Notes
No prior head-to-head. Rodriguez (DWCS/TUF alum) 100% finish rate—uncanny power for 125 lbs; debut in hometown adds fire. Borjas (UFC since ~2023–2024) 1-3 with one decision win but finishes in regional career; absorbs damage (SApM high). Main card flyweight: Rodriguez seeks statement debut; Borjas aims to rebound and halt prospect. Altitude + power matchup = high finish probability.
Betting Trends
- Flyweight main card at altitude often finishes early if power mismatches; Rodriguez’s KO rate draws heavy inside-distance props.
- Books shade Rodriguez heavily—value on props over ML juice; Borjas +310+ offers upset appeal for sharps if he survives early.
FIGHT ODDS
Imanol Rodriguez – 400
Kevin Borjas + 275
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
