Yair Rodriguez Aztec Temple: Why does Mexican UFC star train at 12,000 ft for fights?

Mexican champion Yair Rodriguez took training seriously after struggling with cardio-related issues. Find out how he improved after training at the Aztec Temple.

Yair Rodriguez Aztec Temple: Why does Mexican UFC star train at 12,000 ft for fights?

Yair Rodriguez trains at the Aztec Temple for his training camps (Image Courtesy - Instagram/Discovery)

Yair Rodriguez entered the UFC in 2014 as part of The Ulitmate Fighter Latin America season. He won the tournament at UFC 180 and has competed in the company for over eight years. Nevertheless, the road remained rocky for the Mexican fighter. He suffered multiple injuries during his time in the UFC, and analysts always pointed out his lack of cardio during fight breakdowns. However, Yair Rodriguez decided to fix those issues by training at the Aztec Temple, over 10000ft above sea level.

From 2017-2019, Rodriguez competed against three fighters – Frankie Edgar, The Korean Zombie, and Jeremy Stephens. In all those fights, ‘El Pantera‘ struggled with his cardio. He could not keep up with Edgar’s wrestling, and Zombie outstrikes him throughout the fight with higher volume until Yair got the last-second knockout. Yair comfortably won the first two rounds against Stephens but struggled with his cardio in the third round. He won the fight via decision due to the fight being a three-round affair.

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At this time, Yair felt the need to drastically improve his cardio and skills to compete for the featherweight title. He chose to train at the Aztec Temple to improve his cardio. Being 10000ft above sea level makes it difficult to breathe. Hence, training at such altitudes will drastically improve a person’s cardio. Find out the benefits Rodriguez attained during training at the Aztec Temple.

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Are there benefits to training at high altitude places like the Aztec Temple?

Cain Velasquez is a famous example of a fighter gassing out due to altitude. Velasquez was known for his cardio but struggled with his cardio in Mexico City. Mexico City has an altitude of 7382 feet, and Velasquez failed to acclimate to the city. He struggled against Fabricio Werdum in the title fight and lost the bout.

Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez (Image Courtesy – MMA News)

Similarly, in recent times, Leon Edwards faced Kamaru Usman at Salt Lake City in their second fight. Edwards appeared without much energy after the first round and struggled against Usman until the iconic head kick knockout was landed. Salt Lake City has an altitude similar to Mexico City. However, when they fought in London for the trilogy bout, Edwards appeared in top condition. Hence, training at high altitude places can prepare fighters to compete in tip-top conditions in any place.  

Did Yair Rodriguez improve his cardio and skills after training at the Aztec Temple?

After fighting Jeremy Stephens in 2019, Yair only returned to the UFC in 2021. He took a two-year break to improve his skills and cardio. During this time, he focused on training at the Aztec Temple.

Yair Rodriguez improved massively after training at the Aztec Temple
Yair Rodriguez improved massively after training at the Aztec Temple (Image Courtesy – Instagram/Twitter)

During his comeback fight in 2021, he faced cardio machine Max Holloway at a Fight Night event. Holloway has an insane striking output and cardio to pressure most fighters. However, Yair went punch for punch with the Hawaiian warrior. He did not gas out and kept the fight competitive until the last minute.

His training at the Aztec Temple paid off, as he managed to win the interim title in the next two fights. The Mexican fighter remains close to a title shot, and he has the potential to win it.

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