UFC 290: From a rapid finish, a lightweight war, and a new contender arriving at middleweight to a Fight of the Year battle that produced a new champion and a champion showing he’s on another level, this was a magical night inside the Octagon.
Below are the winners from the official scorecard of the event:
- Alexander Volkanovski defeats Yair Rodriguez by TKO (strikes) at 4:19 of Round 3
- Alexandre Pantoja (48-47, 48-47) defeats Brandon Moreno (46-49) by split decision
- Dricus Du Plessis defeats Robert Whittaker by TKO, Round 2, 2:23
- Dan Hooker (29-28, 29-28) defeats Jalin Turner (29-28) by split decision
- Bo Nickal defeats Val Woodburn by KO (strikes) at 0:38 of Round 1
- Robbie Lawler defeats Niko Price by knockout (punches) at 0:38 of Round 1
- Tatsuro Taira (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) defeats Edgar Chairez by unanimous decision
- Denise Gomes defeats Yazmin Jauregui by TKO, Round 1, :20
- Alonzo Menifield defeats Jimmy Crute by Submission, Guillotine Choke, Round 2, 1:55
- Vitor Petrino defeats Marcin Prachnio by Submission, Head & Arm Choke, Round 3, 3:42
- Cameron Saaiman defeats Terrence Mitchell by TKO, Round 1, 3:10
- Jesus Aguilar defeats Shannon Ross by Knockout (right hand) at 0:17 of Round 1
- Esteban Ribovics (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) defeats Kamuela Kirk by unanimous decision
Volkanovski vs Rodriguez
Alexander Volkanovski made it clear again that he was the featherweight champion after taking out Yair Rodriguez at 4:19 of the third round Saturday night in UFC 290, with a technical knockout.
Rodriguez was the interim champion after Volkanovski temporarily moved up to lightweight, but the Australian confirmed who was the better fighter in running his record to 26-2 in what was scheduled as a five-round bout.
“There was a bit of fear … knowing how dangerous he was,” Volkanovski said. “That’s the honest truth. I put in my head. This week, I flipped the switch because of the respect I have for him. Now I’m a champion. I’m the king of the division. No one’s ever stopped me.”
Volkanovski dominated the fight, taking Rodriguez down at about the second minute. After receiving several hits to the face through the rounds, Rodriguez put a better effort in third, but Volkanovski slammed the 30-year-old on the mat and continued with rights and lefts before referee Herb Dean stepped in.
The loss ended Volkanovski’s 22-fight winning streak and saw him drop back to featherweight after a brief elevation to lightweight.
Trump In Attendance
Former President Donald Trump was among those in attendance. He came in with UFC President Dana White shortly before the main fight started, amidst roars from the T-Mobile Arena crowd. Trump shook hands with Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby, a major UFC fan who sat behind him. Jamal Murray of the NBA champion Denver Nuggets also had a floor seat.