UFC 290: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez round-by-round updates
The UFC 290 main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez, updated between each round.
By Amy Kaplan
The UFC 290 event concluded with a title fight between reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski and interim champion Yair Rodriguez. The title will need to be unified before the next potential champion can emerge.
FanSided is on-site in Las Vegas and will be bringing you up-to-date information about what's happening in the fight between each round. Keep this tab open and refresh often to see new updates.
The fight could be up to five rounds, depending on how the match unfolds.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez - Round 1
They start the fight by touching gloves.
Rodriguez measured the distance with several up top leg kicks before Volkanovski caught one and dragged him to the canvas. On the mat Volkanovski was able to take control and pepper Rodriguez with ground and pound to end the round on top.
Undisputed gold is on the line, our #UFC290 main event stats NOW! pic.twitter.com/LGjtdcSW9a
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez - Round 2
Rodriguez tried to capitalize on his reach and kicks to open the second round and was able to put together some good combos. But then Volkanovski put the challenger against the cage with a huge strike and the distance was gone again. Volkanovski dragged Rodriguez to the canvas again and started with the ground-and-pound like in the first.
Quite a bit of blood appeared but it was unclear where it was coming from, perhaps a ruptured ear or a cut from the onslaught.
Another complete domination from the champion.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez - Round 3
Between rounds it was discovered there was a cut in the eyebrow of Rodriguez. Before the round began the referee warned Rodriguez to keep his fingers out of the cage and out of the glove of Volkanovski.
Third round began.
Rodriguez opens the round with a flurry but we've seen this before. Volkanovski had a harder time closing the distance and Rodriguez was able to land some big shots on the champ.
An accidental head clash briefly stopped the round.
Once the round resumed, Volkanovski pounced and stopped Rodriguez with massive shots to end the round and the fight in the third round.
STILL KING OF THE FEATHERWEIGHTS 👑🇦🇺@AlexVolkanovski stops Yair Rodriguez in Round 3!! #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/B4I8lR7WzD
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
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