UFC 290: Alexander Volkanovski beats and BLOODIES Yair Rodriguez to retain featherweight title as Topuria looks on

ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI defended his featherweight title with a comfortable win over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290.

Volk’s return to the 145-pound class after his unsuccessful attempt to win the lightweight gold medal was the highlight the statement the International Fight Week card in Las Vegas.

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The taekwondo thriller Rodriguez would offer Volkanovski the most dynamic challenge of his tenure as featherweight king.

But he failed to end the Australian’s incredible winning streak ufc‘s Shark Tank of a 145-pound division who suffered a TKO loss in the third round.

Rodriguez was light-footed in the early stages, hopping around on the outside and trying to outsmart the undisputed champion with his footwork.

Proud Australian MMA Volkanovski took the time to read his read and find out how to close the distance.

Shortly after a minute, a nasty question mark kick whistled past Volk’s head and triggered great reactions in the audience.

It wasn’t long before Volkanovski secured a big takedown and began attacking the Mexican with ground and pound – which he unleashed by the end of the round.

Rodriguez was less conservative with his kicks early in the second round, firing several roundhouse and spinning shots in the Australian’s direction.

Volkanovski hit a big straight to the left and tried to close the gap on Rodriguez at the fence.

But eventually he got his hands on the Mexican and gradually grounded him and beat him with punches from top position.

A bloodied Rodriguez bounced back briefly but was quickly dragged back to the canvas by a relentless Volkanovski.

And just as he finished the second verse, he finished the round on his back and swallowed more punches.

Rodriguez didn’t let his long lay on the ground in the preliminary round stop him from throwing kicks.

A right headbutt just missed Volkanovski’s dome after a two-punch combination.

Rodriguez then handled the front thrust well and had some success, although Vokanovski was good at spotting and countering El Pantera’s dangerous weapons coming their way.

An accidental headbutt briefly interrupts the action.

Rodriguez was hit by a heavy counterattack shortly after recovering from an accidental headbutt.

A power double leg takedown ensued and Volkanovski began to line up and drop unanswered bombs, prompting the referee to call off the fight.

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