UFC on ESPN 64: Godinez and Rodriguez Aim for Redemption in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Fighters Loopy Godinez and Rodrigo Rodriguez are set to make significant impacts at UFC on ESPN 64 this Saturday. Godinez (12-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) faces Julia Polastri (13-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in a crucial strawweight bout during the prelims at Arena CDMX. Godinez is determined to snap a two-fight losing streak that stretched into 2024 against top contenders.

Godinez, a former LFA champion, expressed confidence at a media day event on Wednesday, stating, “Obviously, I’m expecting the best version of herself. She’s well-rounded, she has a good clinch, good kicks – but I feel like my level and the girls I’ve been facing are at a higher level. I feel like it’s going to show.” Godinez aims to leverage her experience in hopes of securing a ranked opponent if victorious.

Having won four times in 2023 before the setbacks, Godinez reflected on the challenges faced. “I see everything I did wrong and everything I did good. I kind of just change things and add things, take things away. This training camp, I changed a lot of stuff, and I feel like I improved a lot,” she said. “Losing, I take it as a big learning experience.” With a victory on Saturday, she is focused solely on Polastri, despite acknowledging the division’s high stakes.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez (17-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is embracing his rising popularity ahead of his flyweight main card opener against Kevin Borjas (9-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC). Known as “Lazy Boy,” Rodriguez has accrued over 2 million Instagram followers and expressed aspirations of attaining a higher position on the card, ideally a co-main event.

“Getting close to the title, that’s what we want to do,” Rodriguez said, noting that he is committed to the long and challenging journey to the championship. “It may take time, experience comes with time, and with this time and the experience I’m getting, I know I’m going to be a champion. The only thing missing is a belt, and I will get that chance.” Rodriguez also highlighted the hard work that brought him success, saying, “Everyone knows here: We’re Mexican, and nothing gets gifted to us. This is earned, and we go through a lot of things to get where we need to go.”

In another anticipated matchup, middleweight contender Joe Pyfer (13-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is looking to become the first fighter to knock out Kelvin Gastelum (18-9 MMA, 13-9 UFC). Fighting at Arena CDMX, Pyfer expressed enthusiasm about the challenge. “I love the matchup. I thought it was very exciting. The guy likes to bring it, and he’s entertaining to watch,” he told MMA Junkie. Pyfer is confident he possesses the striking capability to achieve a knockout, stating, “I want to be the first guy to knock Kelvin out.”

Gastelum, a veteran in the UFC, has faced a roster of elite fighters throughout his career. Despite his extensive experience, Pyfer believes that his unique skills can turn the tide in their matchup. “If I get a stoppage, it’s going to be impressive, but I have 13 wins and 12 finishes. I’m a guy that likes to go out there and look for the finish,” he remarked.

Finally, Pyfer recognizes that he may not be the crowd favorite but is focusing on his own performance. “No, I don’t give a f*ck. I’m here in enemy territory … a fight is a fight,” he said. Both Godinez and Rodriguez are aiming to showcase their skills and reclaim momentum in their respective divisions at UFC on ESPN 64.

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