In UFC 290, Alexander Volkanovski reaffirmed his status as the featherweight champion by securing a technical knockout victory over Yair Rodriguez at 4:19 of the third round. Despite Rodriguez holding the interim champion title during Volkanovski’s temporary move up to lightweight, the Australian fighter left no room for doubt about his superiority. With the win, Volkanovski improved his impressive record to 26-2 in what was originally scheduled as a five-round bout.
“There was a bit of fear … knowing how dangerous he was,” Volkanovski said. “That’s the honest truth. I put in my head. This week, I flipped the switch because of the respect I have for him. Now I’m a champion. I’m the king of the division. No one’s ever stopped me.”
There was a bit of fear … knowing how dangerous he was
Volkanovski
Former President Donald Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination in 2024, attended the event along with other notable figures. He arrived at the venue alongside UFC President Dana White, garnering enthusiastic cheers from the crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. Trump engaged in a handshake with Maxx Crosby, a prominent UFC fan and star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders. Jamal Murray, a member of the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, also had a prime seat on the floor.
Alex Volkanovski claims he is ‘coming for all the records’
In the fight, Alexander Volkanovski, favored at minus-390 according to FanDuel Sportsbook, employed a ground game strategy against Yair Rodriguez (16-4) early in the first round, keeping him pinned down to control the tempo. The second round saw a similar dynamic, with Volkanovski, aged 34, landing multiple strikes to Rodriguez’s face.
In the third round, Rodriguez, hailing from Mexico, launched a counterattack against Volkanovski, using a series of kicks to keep him at bay. However, with one minute remaining, Volkanovski executed a powerful takedown, unleashing a barrage of punches from both his right and left hands. Referee Herb Dean intervened, prompting the stoppage.
This bout marked Volkanovski’s return following a unanimous decision loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on February 11. But the defeat ended Volkanovski’s 22-fight winning streak, and after his brief stint in the lightweight division, he decided to return to the featherweight category for this particular fight.
Before his move up in weight, Volkanovski had won five title fights, solidifying his claim as one of the greatest featherweights in history. His remarkable accomplishments have positioned him as a leading contender in the discussions about the current pound-for-pound elite fighters. Volkanovski holds the second spot in the official UFC rankings, trailing only Jon Jones.
“I’m really coming for all the records,” Volkanovski said. “I’m pretty close to knocking a few of those of, but a lot of goals ahead. I might be in this position right now, but I guarantee I’ll be in the gym next week busting my ass again.”
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