The upcoming title defense of Alexander Volkanovski against Yair Rodriguez raises questions about his dominance in the UFC. Brandon Moreno seeks redemption in a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja. Get insights on these matchups and more in this article.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez | Volkanovski’s next title defense and the challenges he faces against Rodriguez |
| Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja | Moreno’s rematch against Pantoja and the potential impact on his career |
| Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis | A bout that could determine the next middleweight title challenger |
Fresh off of his first loss in almost a decade, Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his 145-pound belt against interim champion Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. As Volkanovski turns 35, his challengers keep getting younger and hungrier. Rodriguez appears to be a formidable opponent, with his recent win over Josh Emmett solidifying his place at the top of the division. This matchup could define the next stage of Volkanovski’s career.
Co-Main Event: Moreno vs. Pantoja
In the co-main event, flyweight champion Brandon Moreno faces his personal boogeyman, Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja has previously defeated Moreno twice, including an exhibition bout on The Ultimate Fighter. This long-awaited rematch presents an opportunity for Moreno to prove himself and potentially shape the next phase of his career.
Other Main Card Action
- Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis: A bout that could determine the next middleweight title challenger.
- Jalin Turner vs. Dan Hooker: A catchweight bout after Turner missed weight.
- Bo Nickal vs. Val Woodburn: A last-minute replacement fight for Nickal.
- Robbie Lawler vs. Niko Price: Lawler’s retirement bout to close out the prelims.
This article focuses on the upcoming title defense of Alexander Volkanovski and the potential challenges he faces against Yair Rodriguez. It also highlights the co-main event between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, as well as other notable matchups on the main card.
