Imanol Rodriguez vs Kevin Borjas Prediction & Preview - 2/28/2026
Updated February 27, 2026
Updated February 27, 2026
The flyweight clash between Imanol Rodriguez and Kevin Borjas is one of several flyweight bouts on the UFC Fight Night card this Saturday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Rodriguez makes his official UFC debut after earning his contract with an emphatic first-round stoppage on Dana White’s Contender Series, while Borjas arrives with valuable Octagon experience despite an up-and-down run at the highest level. Before this fight begins, you can find my Imanol Rodriguez vs Kevin Borjas prediction right here.
Pick: Imanol Rodriguez to win by KO/TKO ATS PRO
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Imanol Rodriguez | Kevin Borjas | |
|---|---|---|
Age | 26 | 28 |
Reach | 64" | 68" |
Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
Record | 6-1 | 10-4 |
Imanol Rodriguez enters this showdown largely under the radar outside of dedicated MMA circles, but he has generated significant attention with his rapid rise through the ranks and destructive finishing ability. The Mexican prospect turned heads on Dana White’s Contender Series, stopping Roque Conceicao late last year in the first round to secure his UFC contract.
Before that, Rodriguez built a 5-1 professional record with an aggressive, pressure-heavy style that places a premium on early offense and high finishing frequency. Five of his six wins have come by way of knockout or technical knockout, showcasing both tangible power at flyweight and a willingness to engage from the outset. His lone submission victory also emphasizes that Rodriguez is a well-rounded threat capable of ending fights in multiple ways.
Rodriguez carries notable momentum and confidence into his UFC debut. Training with experienced coaches and even working alongside elite talents, he appears poised to translate his ferocity to the next level. While debuting prospects can sometimes be unpredictable, Rodriguez’s natural aggression and high output offer him a chance to overwhelm less-proactive opponents early and avoid prolonged grappling exchanges that might expose any inexperience. Fighting on home soil in his debut could help calm his nerves as well.
Kevin Borjas brings greater Octagon experience to this matchup. The Peruvian fighter holds a 10-4 professional record with eight finishes, hinting at respectable striking power and finishing capability. Borjas earned his UFC deal on Dana White’s Contender Series and has since logged four fights inside the UFC. He is just 1-3 in those fights and needs to start proving himself on this stage, starting with this fight against a UFC debutant.
One of Borjas’ strengths lies in his durability and technical acumen, as he has shown the ability to mix in reactive takedowns and stay composed when pressured. However, recent outings have seen him struggle to generate enough striking volume and consistently establish offense, limiting his capacity to score rounds decisively. If Borjas fails to engage actively or gets drawn into a frenetic early pace, Rodriguez’s aggression and power could quickly tilt the contest in the debutant’s favor.
For bettors seeking value, the line on Rodriguez to win by knockout might be the way to go. He is around even money to secure a knockout and if he wins this fight, I don't think it's going to be a plodding affair by any stretch of the imagination. Look for Rodriguez to try and impress the home crowd and for him to end this one via strikes inside the distance.
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