What happened: Rodriguez spent eight months in a Mexican prison following an arrest at the border for marijuana possession. He was released in April and returned to training for his first UFC main event.
Why it matters: The bout headlines the UFC's first event in Serbia. It also tests whether Rodriguez can resume his climb after an absence that interrupted a three-fight winning streak.
By the numbers: Rodriguez carries a 20-5 record into his first appearance since a unanimous-decision win in July 2025.
What to watch: Friday's weigh-in is the final checkpoint before Rodriguez returns Saturday.