Yair Rodriguez is quite literally owning his interim title with full confidence. While many previous interim title winners have just seen it as a step towards becoming the king of their division, Rodriguez is something different. The 30-year-old MMA fighter faces Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 290 for unifying the titles.

Having won the UFC interim title against Josh Emmett at UFC 284, Rodriguez poses a real danger to Volkanovski. In the recent press conference for his upcoming fight, ‘El Pantera’ carried a customized interim belt that surprised everyone. While many were confused about what it was, Rodriguez was quick to clear the air about what it was.

Yair Rodriguez reveals the inspiration behind his customized belt

Understandably, one of the first questions that came up to the interim champion was about his customized belt. Responding to it, Rodriguez explained that the belt was customized by traditional Mexican artists, like the ones depicted in the popular Disney movie ‘Coco’. Moreover, he revealed that it was hand-painted with the use of all-natural colors.

“Have you seen the movie Coco? The movie is based on a family that made this. It is handmade, dot by dot, line by line. All the colors are made naturally. There is nothing chemical on it. They mix flowers and they mix all these crazy colors, all this is natural. This is a unique piece, it doesn’t have a price tag on it.”

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While Rodriguez was supporting his country’s traditional art, the customized belt did not really settle well with the fans.

Adult movie star Kendra Lust and UFC fans react to the customized interim title belt

Social media erupted with bold opinions as soon as videos of Rodriguez’s belt surfaced. Adult films actress Kendra Lust shared her thoughts via some emojis, “❤️🙌🏻”.

The efforts the artist took to transform the belt left UFC fighter Ode’ Osbourne in awe, “The details in the belt is incredible. Must have taken the artist a while to develop.”

Here are some of the fan reactions –

• “Honestly it would be sick if all champs put their own flair onto their belts”
• “If you hating on Yair you’re everything thats wrong in Modern Society”
• “Why does uncultured wt people think it has anything to do with pride”
• “That’s f*cking illegal”
• “Would be cooler if he was actually a champ”
• “Not a fan of it if I’m being honest”

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• “It’s a fake belt why are you customizing it”
• “Bunch of trumpies gonna call it a pride belt. Good sh*t Yair”
• “Bros not even a champion and he has a custom belt”
• “Fkn Power Ranger belt tf is this”
• “Pride month belt”
• “People saying it’s Pride or LGBTQ, you are literally proving your ignorance.”

Actor Mario Lopez and UFC star Dominick Cruz also loved the customization. What are your opinions about this? Drop in your comments below.