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Marcelo Rojo will not be included in the UFC's blanket ban on fighters associated with coach and Glory MMA founder James Krause.
The UFC's crackdown on fighters and insiders betting on events was kickstarted by James Krause's ban. The statement from the promotion also extended the ban to all fighters who train under Krause or at his gym.
A statement on the UFC's website reads:
"Fighters who choose to continue to be coached by Krause or who continue to train in his gym, will not be permitted to participate in UFC events pending the outcome of the aforementioned government investigations."
However, an exception has been made for 34-year-old Marcelo Rojo, who fights in the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland. Rojo is scheduled to appear on the preliminary card against unbeaten Francis Marshall in a featherweight bout.
Aaron Bronsteter from TSN Sports reported on Twitter that the Argentine will not be barred from fighting on fight night.
"I am told that Marcelo Rojo, who trains under James Krause, will still be permitted to compete on tomorrow night's card in Orlando. The decision was made in the interest of fairness given that the UFC's athletes just received the memo regarding the decision about Krause today."
Check out Aaron Bronsteter's tweet below:
Marcelo Rojo is unfazed by his losing UFC record
In two fights in the UFC, Marcelo Rojo has two defeats against his name. His UFC debut was a knockout loss to Charles Jourdain and the second fight was a submission loss to Kyler Phillips.
Rojo will aim to notch up his first win against Francis Marshall, a formidable young opponent. Marshall has not lost a single fight in his brief professional mixed martial arts career and is making his UFC debut after winning in Week Two of Dana White's Contender Series 2022.
Rojo spoke to MMA Junkie and dismissed concerns about his losing record pressuring him:
“No, that pressure that they make up is put on by the people themselves, you know. I’m living my dream. I’m doing what I love, and I’m enjoying it, and I’m getting paid to do it. I’m so fortunate. The truth is that I have nothing to lose. I’m going to go out there and give it my all like I do for every fight.” [h/t MMA Junkie]
Watch Rojo's complete interview on Hablemos MMA on YouTube below:
