UFC 290: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez clash in the main event of the UFC 290 this Saturday night. The two stars are battling for the UFC featherweight belt, which is currently in Volkanovski’s possession. Rodriguez recently defeated Josh Emmett taking the interim title, but he now aims to become the undisputed ruler of the division and the first featherweight after several years to defeat Volk. Though, according to all the bookmakers, the Aussie is a strong favorite here.

Preview

Alexander Volkanovski (25-2, -400) lost against Islam Makhachev in a bout for the UFC lightweight champ at the UFC 284 via unanimous decision. The way the fight ended, many believe that Volk had the chance to win the action lasted for one more minute.

The Aussie is one of the best ever in the organization, probably the best in the featherweight division, as he currently holds the belt having four successful title defenses. His resume is filled with top UFC names, like Max Holloway (three times), Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega, Jung Chan-Sung, Chad Mendes etc. 

Volk’s main advantages over other rivals are his speed and fantastic power for his size. The champ is strong as the bull and often demonstrates that inside the octagon. His boxing is excellent, the same as takedown defense, and even though he doesn’t like handling business on the mat, he can do that as well. Regarding cardio, it is the best in the UFC by far. 

Yair Rodriguez (15-3, +300) was supposed to be one of the UFC franchise faces, but his injuries and all sorts of trouble have prevented the Mexican from reaching that status. Rodriguez was the UFC Ultimate Fighter: Latin America winner at the age of 21, becoming the biggest prospect at the time. 

Yet he didn’t reach his full potential, but even so, at 30 years of age, El Panthera still has time to become one of the greatest. He is a very good kickboxer, with taekwondo skills making the centerpiece of his weaponry. If you need to pick a guy who delivers the most attractive leg kicks in the UFC, be sure that Rodriguez would be the one.

Some of his victims were Andre Fili, Dan Hooker, BJ Penn, Jung Chan-Sung, more recently, Jeremy Stephens, Brian Ortega and Josh Emmet. Some of the losses he experienced were against Max Holloway, but that was a very close one, and Frankie Edgar in 2017.

Prediction

Volkanovski is a more well-rounded fighter, as he knows to fight in all conditions and under all tactical circumstances. Rodriguez prefers to be on his feet and control the distance with ferocious leg smashes, and that won’t be enough against the champ. Why? We believe that the Aussie is significantly faster and has much more gas in the tank than his rival. Yes, El Panthera is very appealing to watch, but the champ is more skilled and tactically better equipped. Also, Rodriguez’s defensive skillset is way beneath Volk’s, which is another reason we pick the champion to retain his title and stay on the throne. 

Pick: Volkanovski wins -400

Here are more previews for UFC 290 fights

• Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja
• Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus du Plessis