UFC 290: Taking a Closer Look at the Results, Bonus Winners, and Highlight Reel Moments

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski Shows Dominance in UFC 290 Victory

The Fight and Volkanovski’s Performance

Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC Featherweight champion, solidified his claim to being the top pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world with an impressive victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. The fight took place on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and Volkanovski demonstrated his dominance throughout the match.

Volkanovski managed to take Rodriguez down effortlessly, securing seven successful takedowns in 12 attempts. He out-landed Rodriguez with a staggering 149 total strikes to 57. Volkanovski also landed 66 significant strikes compared to Rodriguez’s 40. The fight ultimately ended in the third round with Volkanovski securing a TKO victory.

This win was crucial for Volkanovski, as it marked his successful defense of the featherweight title he has held since December 2019. It also served as a comeback after his loss to UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makachev in February, where Volkanovski fell short in his attempt to become a two-division champion.

Volkanovski’s Legacy in the Featherweight Division

Volkanovski has cemented his status as the king of the 145-pound division through his notable victories against top contenders. He holds three wins over future Hall-of-Famer Max Holloway, a victory over Jose Aldo, who was confirmed for the Hall of Fame on Saturday, and unanimous-decision wins over Chang Sung Jung and Brian Ortega.

With such a dominant record, it is clear that Volkanovski has almost cleaned out the featherweight class. While Ilia Topuria, currently ranked No. 5 by the UFC, may rise as a potential opponent for Volkanovski, the champion’s next move remains uncertain. The possibility of surgery after Saturday’s fight raises questions about his future plans, and Volkanovski has also expressed interest in a rematch with Makhachev.

Different contenders like Arnold Allen, ranked No. 4, and Rodriguez may face each other or other opponents before Volkanovski returns to the Octagon.

The Future of the Featherweight Division

With Volkanovski’s dominance and potential time away from the sport due to surgery, the 145-pound division’s future is uncertain. The UFC rankings currently have Rodriguez at No. 1, Holloway at No. 2, Ortega at No. 3, and Allen at No. 4. However, Holloway recently defeated Allen, making it unlikely that Allen would get the next shot at Volkanovski.

Possible matchups between Rodriguez and Allen or Rodriguez and Topuria could be logical choices while Volkanovski’s availability is determined. As time unfolds, the plans for the featherweight division will come into focus.

UFC 290 Attendance, Gate, and Performance Bonuses

The Event

UFC 290, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, saw a packed crowd with an attendance of 19,204. According to UFC President Dana White, the event was sold out. The gate revenue for the event reached an impressive $9.75 million.

Performance Bonuses

The UFC awarded performance bonuses to standout fighters at UFC 290. The “Fight of the Night” bonus went to Alexander Pantoja and Brandon Moreno, with each fighter receiving $50,000.

The “Performances of the Night” bonuses were awarded to three fighters. Denise Gomes earned $50,000 for her impressive 20-second first-round finish. Dricus Du Plessis secured an identical bonus after defeating former champion Robert Whittaker via TKO. Du Plessis’s post-fight confrontation with UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya adds intrigue to a potential future matchup.

Looking Ahead to Future UFC Events

Holly Holm Faces Mayra Buena Silva at Fight Night

The UFC is set to continue its action-packed schedule with a Fight Night card on July 15. Former bantamweight champion Holly Holm will headline the event, facing off against Mayra Buena Silva. The fight will take place at the Apex in Las Vegas.

As the anticipation builds, fight week coverage leading up to the event and analysis after the fights conclude will be available. Fans can follow updates on Twitter and visit the official website for more information.

Coverage and Analysis

Brian Mazique, a Forbes contributor covering combat sports and video games, provides in-depth analysis and reporting on the UFC. His coverage of UFC 290 showcases his expertise and offers an insightful perspective on the latest events and developments within the sport.

As UFC events continue to captivate audiences, fans can rely on Mazique’s reporting to stay informed and engaged with all the action happening inside the Octagon.