In a triumphant return to featherweight, ‘The Great’ delivered another dominant performance, finishing ‘El Pantero’ and successfully defending his title once again.
UFC 290: Alex Volkanovski vs Yair Rodriguez
Round 1
In the opening round of their highly anticipated bout at UFC 290, Alex Volkanovski showcased his versatility by frequently switching stances while pressuring Yair Rodriguez. Although Rodriguez attempted a question mark kick, Volkanovski skillfully evaded it.
Rodriguez managed to land a body kick, but Volkanovski quickly took him down near the cage, right in front of Rodriguez’s corner. From the top position, Volkanovski delivered punishing body shots and sliced elbows.
Despite Rodriguez’s attempts to push him away and regain his feet, Volkanovski maintained his grappling control and repeatedly brought Rodriguez back to the mat.
Volkanovski continued his assault with strikes from the half guard and even sought the arm triangle submission, but Rodriguez defended well.
The round concluded with Alex Volkanovski unleashing a series of impactful shots from his dominant position.
Round 2
Both fighters engaged in a series of exchanges featuring low kicks, with Rodriguez effectively pushing Volkanovski back with his kicks. In a moment of aggression, Rodriguez launched a flying kick, showcasing his dynamic striking. Rodriguez mixed it up with low and high kicks, finding success in landing his strikes.
However, Alex Volkanovski countered with a well-placed left hand. Alex Volkanovski pressed forward, backing Rodriguez against the cage, and managed to secure a takedown.
While Rodriguez quickly scrambled back to his feet, Volkanovski continued to apply pressure and pinned him against the cage once again. Demonstrating his grappling prowess, Volkanovski successfully brought Rodriguez back down to the mat.
From the top position, Volkanovski unleashed a barrage of powerful elbows. Despite Rodriguez’s efforts to prevent Volkanovski from passing his guard, the ground and pound assault continued.
Volkanovski maintained control, delivering heavy strikes, including a significant right hand. In an attempt to escape, Rodriguez tried to roll out, but Volkanovski smoothly transitioned with him, maintaining his dominant position.
Round 3
During the fight, Rodriguez launched a head kick down the middle, but Volkanovski responded with a body attack.
Rodriguez attempted a flurry of strikes, only to be met with a powerful right hand from Volkanovski. Volkanovski landed a jab, while Rodriguez countered with a well-executed kick and a grazing right hand.
Both fighters exchanged low kicks, with Rodriguez connecting twice. Volkanovski closed the distance and unleashed a series of elbows. Rodriguez fired back with a leg kick. Volkanovski stepped in and landed a solid right hook, followed by a clean straight left.
A head clash resulted in a brief time out. Once the action resumed, Rodriguez showcased his striking skills, landing a straight left, executing kicks to the head, and delivering a combination of strikes.
However, Volkanovski retaliated with a massive right hand that rocked Rodriguez. Capitalizing on his momentum, Volkanovski closed the distance and targeted Rodriguez’s body with uppercuts.
Volkanovski then secured a takedown and unleashed a relentless barrage of punches from the top position.
Final Result: Alex Volkanovski secures a TKO victory over Yair Rodriguez at 4 minutes and 19 seconds into Round 3.
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