Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 71
Last event: 4-2
UFC main cards, 2025: 76-58-1
Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez UFC on ESPN 72 preview
Fili (24-12 MMA, 12-11 UFC) has traded wins and losses over his past seven appearances, and comes into this one after a first-round submission loss to Melquizael Costa in February. Prior to that, "Touchy" won a close split nod over Cub Swanson last June at UFC 303, which took Fight of the Night honors. ... Rodriguez (12-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) also fell victim to Costa this year, losing a unanimous decision in March. Before that, Rodriguez was on the right side of the judges' cards in a unanimous nod over Austin Bashi in January.
Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez UFC on ESPN 72 expert pick, prediction
Filling out the main card is a solid featherweight fight between Andre Fili and Christian Rodriguez.
I'm a big fan of both fighters, so picking this one was difficult.
On one hand, it's nice to see Rodriguez getting some love from the oddsmakers and public alike after coming in as some unassuming talent that most wrote off. That said, it seems like Rodriguez is built to beat a specific kind of fighter, all while struggling against similar archetypes to Fili.
I know Fili's last loss was not a good look, but it's usually only dynamic athletes and finishers who have blown the 35-year-old out of the water – and I don't know if Rodriguez fits that bill.
Add in Fili's ability to make fights close with his criminally underrated skill set, and I can't help but take a shot on him in this spot.
The pick is Fili to edge out the scorecards in what should be a competitive fight from start to finish.
Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez UFC on ESPN 72 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the younger fighter, listing Rodriguez -245 and Fili +194 via FanDuel.
Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez UFC on ESPN 72 start time, how to watch
Fili and Rodriguez are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
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