MMA Preview – Alexander Volkanovski vs Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290
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ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI VS YAIR RODRIGUEZ FACTS
When is UFC 290? Sunday 9th July, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 290? T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 290? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 290
What channel is UFC 290 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 290? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI VS YAIR RODRIGUEZ LOWDOWN
Alexander Volkanovski (25-2) returns to defend his 145 lb title after challenging the imperious lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. He was the heavy underdog but took the Dagestani to the wire with many thinking he did enough to win. The unanimous decision loss meant his sensational 22-fight win streak finally came to an end, but he is still unbeaten in the UFC at featherweight disposing of elite contenders.
The next elite contender waiting patiently in line is Yair Rodriguez (15-3(1)). He is 2-1 in his last three losing a unanimous decision to Max Holloway (2021). After that ‘Fight of the Night’ display his eagerly anticipated clash with Brian Ortega (2022) ended prematurely due to injury but he is coming off one of his best performances to date submitting Josh Emmett (2023) in the second round to claim the interim title.
ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI VS YAIR RODRIGUEZ PREDICTION
Volkanovski’s performance against the much larger Makhachev was incredible and it will have only made him a better fighter which is an ominous sign for the featherweight division.
However, Rodriguez presents a completely new challenge and is arguably the biggest threat to his title right now. His dynamism and threat from all ranges and angles will give the champ a lot to worry about. Although they have the same arm reach, Rodriguez has a five-and-a-half-inch leg reach and is four inches taller.
He uses these attributes masterfully and is a true eight-limbed striker. He will need to open up the full arsenal mixing in his jab and head kicks from range with elbows and knees when the distance closes. Volkanovski is masterful in his own right in conducting the tempo and rhythm so the Mexican’s array of strikes will be key to breaking it.
The Aussie will be well aware his threat and we expect him to try and close the distance and tie Rodriguez up. He will look at Frankie Edgar’s dominant performance as a blueprint despite the improvements he has made since.
After taking everything Makhachev and Brian Ortega had to offer on the deck, he will have all the confidence in being in complete control if he can get his hands on him and pin him on his back.
We can see Rodriguez looking like a champion in the first round or two winning the stand-up battle and maintaining the space. However, Volkanovski will only get stronger as the fight goes on. His cardio is on a different level so unless Rodriguez can knock the champ out early, we can see him getting chipped away and breaking in the championship rounds.
Volkanovski is the better fighter, but being the best performer fight after fight against opponents in their prime is the most difficult challenge. An upset is possible, but we feel the Aussie has too much class to slip up.
Prediction: Volkanovski via Decision
Value bet: Rodriguez to win
