Rodriguez will step into the ring for the first time this year after the 30-year-old won twice in 2022, against Roberto Sanchez Cantu in March and Gary Antonio Russell in October.

He faces Lopez, who was last in action in December 2022 and has won eight consecutive fights.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Rodriguez vs. Lopez.

Rodriguez vs. Lopez fight date, start time

• Date: Saturday, August 12
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. BST
• Main event ringwalks (approx): TBA

What channel/stream is Rodriguez vs. Lopez?

• U.S.: Showtime (via Paramount+)
• UK: TBA

Fans in the United States can watch the fight on Showtime. A UK broadcaster has not yet been announced.

Where is the Rodriguez vs. Lopez fight?

The fight takes place at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, USA.

Emmanuel Rodriguez record and bio

• Nationality: Puerto Rican
• Date of birth: Aug. 8, 1992
• Height: 5'6"
• Reach: 66.5"
• Total fights: 23
• Record: 21-2 (13 KOs) 

Melvin Lopez record and bio

• Nationality: Nicaraguan
• Date of birth: Nov. 12, 1997  
• Height: 5'6"
• Reach: 68"
• Total fights: 30
• Record: 29-1 (19 KOs)

Rodriguez vs. Lopez fight card

• Emmanuel Rodriguez vs. Melvin Lopez; For the vacant IBF world bantamweight title
• Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Kent Cruz; Super lightweight
• Travon Marshall vs. Gabriel Maestre; Welterweight