The highly anticipated UFC 290 event is finally here, marking the annual International Fight Week celebration. Headlining the card are two thrilling title fights: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez for the unified featherweight championship and Brandon Moreno’s quest for redemption against Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight title. Alongside these marquee matchups, the event boasts an array of former champions, contenders, and promising newcomers. In this roundtable discussion, MMA Hook’s experts Shaun Al-Shatti, Steven Marrocco, and Alexander K. Lee delve into the most captivating storylines surrounding UFC 290.
- Where does Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez rank among the best UFC title unification bouts?
Lee: While the past decade has seen numerous unification bouts, including some spectacular ones like Adesanya vs. Gastelum, I believe the significance of the Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez fight lies in the historical context. Remembering the time when the UFC hosted genuine unification bouts with champions from other promotions, such as PRIDE, adds weight to this event. Although these encounters may not be as highly regarded today, they should not be forgotten.
Marrocco: In terms of legitimacy, it’s hard to argue with Henderson vs. Jackson, which involved a unification of titles between the UFC and PRIDE. However, for box office appeal and significance, the McGregor vs. Aldo bout stands out. McGregor’s validation as a champion and the promotional buildup around it were remarkable.
Al-Shatti: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez ranks in the middle tier of title unification bouts. While it is an exciting matchup and one of the most anticipated fights of 2023, it may not have the same explosive impact as the McGregor vs. Aldo or Lesnar vs. Mir fights.
- Is Pantoja the toughest test of Moreno’s career?
Al-Shatti: Pantoja may not represent the toughest challenge of Moreno’s career. After enduring four fights against Deiveson Figueiredo, Moreno has already faced significant tests. However, Pantoja has been the deserving contender in the flyweight division for a while and holds a 2-0 record against Moreno. It wouldn’t be surprising if Pantoja emerges victorious, but Moreno’s prime form could also prove formidable.
Marrocco: The timing and past performances play a significant role in assessing this question. While Pantoja has been waiting for his opportunity and has a historical advantage against Moreno, the outcome will depend on their growth and performance on fight night.
Lee: Moreno’s career has showcased his skills against top-level competition, including his battles with Figueiredo. However, Pantoja has consistently bested Moreno in their previous encounters, making him the toughest test for the champion. If Moreno goes 0-3 against Pantoja, it will cast a shadow over his career.
- Outside of the title bouts, what’s the most intriguing storyline?
Marrocco: The Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis fight stands out due to the potential consequences. Although it wasn’t a necessary matchup, it poses a significant hurdle for Du Plessis. If he loses to Whittaker, it could impact his trajectory towards facing Israel Adesanya. The fight offers both meritocracy and intrigue.
Lee: Keep an eye on Bo Nickal, an incredibly promising prospect. His wrestling background and training at American Top Team have fueled high expectations. If he continues his winning streak, we might see him challenging for the middleweight title sooner than expected. Perhaps even a matchup against Adesanya for UFC 293.
Al-Shatti: While the entire card is enticing, the prelim headliner featuring Robbie Lawler’s potential farewell is a storyline that captivates with nostalgia. Lawler’s legacy as one of the most exciting fighters in MMA history and his resurgence in the UFC welterweight division have made this moment bittersweet. Witnessing his farewell against Niko Price will mark the end of an era and a tribute to the early generation of American MMA fighters.
With a thrilling lineup of fights and captivating storylines, UFC 290 promises an unforgettable event for MMA fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC 290: Fights, Storylines, Farewell
Q: What are the main events of UFC 290?
A: The main events of UFC 290 are the featherweight title unification bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez, and the flyweight title fight between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja.
Q: How does the Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez fight rank among UFC title unification bouts?
A: While it is an exciting matchup, the Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez fight ranks in the middle tier of title unification bouts. It may not have the same level of explosive impact as some of the more memorable bouts in UFC history.
Q: Is Alexandre Pantoja the toughest test of Brandon Moreno’s career?
A: Pantoja is a formidable opponent for Moreno, but considering Moreno’s past fights against top-level competition, such as Deiveson Figueiredo, it’s difficult to say if Pantoja represents the toughest test of his career. The outcome will depend on their performances on fight night.
Q: Apart from the title bouts, what other storylines are intriguing in UFC 290?
A: Other intriguing storylines in UFC 290 include the potential farewell of Robbie Lawler, one of the most exciting fighters in MMA history, and the rise of Bo Nickal, a promising prospect in the middleweight division. Both these storylines add additional excitement to the event.
Q: What can fans expect from UFC 290?
A: Fans can expect a thrilling event filled with high-level fights, intriguing storylines, and the possibility of witnessing significant moments in the careers of fighters like Volkanovski, Rodriguez, Moreno, Pantoja, Lawler, and Nickal. UFC 290 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for MMA fans.
More about UFC 290: Fights, Storylines, Farewell
- UFC 290 Official Website
- Alexander Volkanovski UFC Profile
- Yair Rodriguez UFC Profile
- Brandon Moreno UFC Profile
- Alexandre Pantoja UFC Profile
- Robbie Lawler UFC Profile
- Bo Nickal UFC Profile
4 comments
ufc 290 is gonna rock! volkanovski and rodriguez gonna go at it, gonna be wild. and the battle between moreno and pantoja, gonna be fireworks. can’t wait!
ufc 290 is gonna be off the chain! volkanovski vs rodriguez is gonna be lit, and moreno vs pantoja gonna be a real scrap. lawler’s farewell gonna be a moment. gotta tune in!
man, UFC 290 looks epic! volkanovski vs rodriguez, moreno vs pantoja, so much fire! and don’t even get me started on lawler’s farewell, gonna miss that dude!
wow, i can’t wait for ufc 290! volkanovski vs rodriguez gonna be insane, and moreno vs pantoja is gonna be a banger too. lawler’s last fight? gonna be emotional!