Yair Rodriguez Documentary ‘El Pantera’ Set for Oct. 14 Premiere in New York

“El Pantera,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Mexican UFC star Yair Rodriguez, will premiere at the New York Latino Film Festival Presented by HBO on Oct. 14.

According to a release, “El Pantera” is “a documentary film that follows the training camp of MMA star Yair Rodriguez as he embarks on his journey to become the first ever Mexican born UFC champion. The film will explore topics such as Rodriguez’s manifestation of the American dream, immigration and the sacrifices a professional mixed martial arts fighter makes to become a champion.”

The film is directed by Landon Dyksterhouse, who also directed “The Proving Grounds,” a documentary centered around the Jackson-Wink MMA team in Albuquerque, N.M. Coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Valle will have major roles in “El Pantera,” as will UFC talent Marco Beltran. Friends and family of Rodriguez will also appear in the film.

The premiere will be shown at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in New York at 6 p.m. ET. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Cinepolis Chelsea Box Office or by calling 877-987-6487. More information about the New York Latino Film Festival can be viewed here.

Rodriguez began his UFC career with six consecutive triumphs, including a second-round technical knockout of former two-division champion B.J. Penn. In his most recent outing, the 24-year-old fighter suffered a TKO loss to B.J. Penn at UFC 211. The Chihuahau, Mexico, native does not currently have a fight booked.