UFC 290 preview: Alexander Volkanovski v Yair Rodriguez

Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning UFC Featherweight champion, will attempt to defend his title once again as he faces off against Yair Rodriguez at UFC290 from the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on Sunday.

We preview all the action below.

Volkanovski firm favourite to defend title

Volkanovski returns to UFC for his fifth defence of his featherweight champion belt. He has won all four of his previous title defences, and that sees him head into this fight as the 1/4 favourite.

Standing at 5ft 6 inches with a 71-inch reach, Volkanovski’s main weapons are his exceptional skill and fighting IQ. Known for his persistent pressure and world-class wrestling ability, Volkanovski has consistently stifled his opponents with his relentless takedowns and ground control. His ability to neutralize the offensive capabilities of his rivals has made him incredibly tough to beat.

Volkanovski’s striking has also improved significantly throughout his career, showcasing crisp boxing and powerful leg kicks. His technical proficiency and excellent footwork have allowed him to dictate the pace of his fights, often frustrating his opponents and forcing them into his preferred style of fighting. He has won three of his four previous title defences by decision, and his ability to chip away at his opponent, scoring points in the process, makes him Evens to win yet another title defence by decision. Whether it’s inside the clinch or in the centre of the octagon, his versatility and adaptability make him a formidable force in any situation.

Having defeated some of the division’s elite fighters such as Max Holloway and Brian Ortega, Volkanovski has cemented his position as the one to beat in the featherweight division. His confidence is sky-high, and he will undoubtedly enter the octagon with a game plan set to exploit any weaknesses in Rodriguez’s game. With championship pedigree to back him up, he will certainly be confident of defending his title once again.

Rodriguez to bank on unpredictability

Yair Rodriguez can present a unique challenge for Volkanovski. Known for his eye-catching fighting style and unpredictability, he will pose a challenge like no other fighter in the division.

With an impressive record of 13 wins and three losses, Rodriguez has captured the attention of fans with his spectacular striking and his ability to pull off jaw-dropping moves out of nowhere. His unpredictability means you cannot be certain whether he will bring his best game or not, and that sees him head in to the fight as the clear underdog at 3/1.

Rodriguez has the physical advantage, standing at 5ft 11 inches with a 71-inch reach. His long limbs and dynamic movement enable him to deliver devastating strikes from a variety of angles, catching opponents off guard. His infamous upward elbow knockout of Chan Sung Jung, earned him a “Knockout of the Year” award, and his ability to take opponents out with one devastating blow makes Knockout, TKO or Disqualification his most likely method of victory at 6/1.

Rodriguez’s ground game has been a point of vulnerability in the past. In his fight against Max Holloway, he struggled to defend takedowns and gain control on the mat. Against a formidable wrestler like Volkanovski, Rodriguez will need to address this weakness to prevent the fight from being dictated on the ground. If he can successfully impose his unpredictable striking and keep the fight in his preferred range, he could pose a significant threat to Volkanovski’s reign.

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