Alex Volkanovski Dominates Yair Rodriguez To Secure TKO Victory In UFC 290 Main Event

Photo: Instagram/Alex Volkanovski

UFC 290 witnessed an exhilarating main event title fight between Alex Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez, and we have all the results covered.

Volkanovski, with a record of 25-2 MMA, returned to action after his narrow loss to Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title in February, which ended his remarkable 22-fight win streak. Prior to that defeat, Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight title for the fourth time by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 276.

On the other hand, Yair Rodriguez, holding a record of 15-3 MMA, had claimed the promotion's interim featherweight title by submitting Josh Emmett in the second round at UFC 284. Rodriguez had an impressive record of 4-1 in his past five fights, including victories over Brian Ortega, The Korean Zombie, and Jeremy Stephens.

Photo: Instagram/Alex Volkanovski

The opening round of the UFC 290 main event saw Volkanovski taking control of the Octagon while Rodriguez circled on the outside. Rodriguez attempted a kick that grazed the arm of the reigning featherweight champion but missed with a question mark kick.

Volkanovski executed a takedown and landed punches and elbows against the interim champ. Although Rodriguez got back on his feet, the Aussie swiftly took him down again and delivered effective ground and pound before the round ended.

In the second round, Volkanovski sported a cut after eating an elbow from Rodriguez. Rodriguez launched a head kick that narrowly missed, but Volkanovski closed the distance, landed a right hand, and attempted a takedown.

While the takedown was unsuccessful, Volkanovski maintained a body lock and pushed Rodriguez against the cage. He eventually secured a trip takedown, followed by ground and pound, causing Rodriguez to bleed from his ear.

The round concluded with Volkanovski in full control. As the third round commenced, Rodriguez attempted front kicks but missed. Volkanovski responded with a solid right hand, continuously pressuring Rodriguez and attempting to find openings.

Both fighters exchanged strikes, with Rodriguez landing spinning back kicks and Volkanovski countering with jabs and low kicks. An accidental headbutt briefly paused the action, but when the fight resumed, Volkanovski connected with a powerful right hand that rocked Rodriguez.

Capitalizing on the opportunity, Volkanovski secured a takedown and unleashed ground and pound, leading to a TKO finish.

With his impressive victory over Rodriguez, the question arises: who will be Volkanovski's next opponent? UFC fans eagerly await the announcement, as the Australian champion continues to establish his dominance in the featherweight division.

Read Next: Jordan Poole Addresses Draymond Green's Punch Incident And Looks Forward To Fresh Start With The Washington Wizards

Source: BJ PENN 

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