Alexander Volkanovski Steamrolls Yair Rodriguez, Alexandre Pantoja Wins Flyweight Title at UFC 290

Alexander Volkanovski Steamrolls Yair Rodriguez, Alexandre Pantoja Wins Flyweight Title at UFC 290

Timothy JamesTimothy James
July 9, 2023

Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title, finishes Yair Rodriguez via TKO at UFC 290

Volk’s reign of dominance continues.

The UFC’s pound-for-pound kingpin added another featherweight notch to his belt – finishing Yair Rodriguez via TKO in round 3.

Volkanovski nearly pitched a shutout, dominating the fight with his wrestling for most of the fight. When he landed a heavy right hand in the third round, it was the beginning of the end for Rodriguez.

The Australian kingpin remains undefeated in the featherweight division, with his only career losses coming at welterweight (10 years ago, before he entered the UFC) and lightweight against Islam Makhachev back at UFC 284.

With another featherweight title defense in the books, the question becomes: what’s next for Alexander Volkanovski?

There are two potential targets. A rematch with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, or a showdown with undefeated featherweight contender Ilia Topuria.

Volkanovski and Topuria came face to face outside of the Octagon, exchanging words in what seemed to be a relatively friendly face off.

Volkanovski mentioned needed surgery on his arm, which he injured during his training camp for his fight against Rodriguez. It’s unclear what his timeline to return is, but fans will be biting at the bit to see the pound-for-pound king back in action.

Alexandre Pantoja defeats Brandon Moreno to become UFC flyweight champion

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new UFC flyweight champion.

Alexandre Pantoja beat Brandon Moreno via split decision at UFC 290 in an instant classic. The two 125’ers left it all one the line in a back-and-forth technical display that sent fight fans on an emotional roller coaster.

In the end, Pantoja got his hand raised. And New.

It was an emotional moment for the Brazilian brawler, who has now defeated Moreno three times. With UFC gold on the line, the stakes were never higher – and he got it done.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an MMA event without some controversial scorecards. Pantoja won via split decision, with one of the judges giving the fight to Moreno, 49-46.

While Ben Cartlidge’s scoring left many fans and fighters scratching their heads, the general consensus is that the other two judges got the fight right.

It’s unclear what’s next for Pantoja, as he now has a whole set of challenges opened up for him. He may choose to defend his title against fellow Brazilian and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, who lost his title to Moreno back at UFC 283. Another option is the 3rd ranked flyweight Amir Albazi, coming off his big win over Kai Kara-France at UFC Vegas 74.

As for Moreno, the Mexican flyweight doesn’t need to hang his head in shame. He gave fans another classic fight and gave a good accounting of himself, with some believing there was an argument he won the fight 48-47. He may only been a win or two away from another shot at UFC gold.

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