Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez: Complete Fight Highlights

Check out the full fight video highlights between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez, the main event of UFC 290. Witness the thrilling moments of their title unification bout, courtesy of the UFC and various outlets.

UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez took place on July 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The highly anticipated match featured UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (26-2) facing interim champ Yair Rodriguez (15-4, 1 NC). The fight was broadcast live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

Watch the exciting video highlights below.

For more in-depth coverage of the Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez fight, explore MMA Hook’s Jed Meshew’s live blog.

Round 1: Both Volkanovski and Rodriguez start the round in orthodox stance. Rodriguez displays movement while Volkanovski establishes control in the center. They both switch stances early on, aiming to find advantageous angles.

Volkanovski maintains caution within Rodriguez’s striking range, while Rodriguez attempts to counter with knees and lead-hand strikes when Volkanovski advances. The first minute is spent feeling each other out. Rodriguez narrowly misses a head kick.

Volkanovski applies pressure effectively, pinning Rodriguez against the fence. Rodriguez tries low kicks to test the waters. Yair lands a body kick, but Volkanovski catches it, prompting Rodriguez to jump into guard, aware of his disadvantaged position.

With Rodriguez close to the fence, Volkanovski remains heavy on top in the guard position. He attempts to posture up and delivers a series of short strikes. We reach the halfway mark of the round.

Rodriguez struggles to create space, and Volkanovski uses an old-school approach, smothering Rodriguez against the fence. The champion lands some solid shots, but Rodriguez manages to create enough space to stand back up.

Volkanovski continues to control the fight, focusing on a single leg takedown, but Rodriguez defends well. Although Volk keeps a tight hold, Rodriguez manages to stay on his feet. However, Volkanovski maintains control and takes Rodriguez down again. Despite Rodriguez’s efforts to escape, Volk keeps him down and lands some effective punches from top half-guard in the final minute of the round.

At one point, Volkanovski attempts an arm triangle choke, but Rodriguez defends successfully. The champion demonstrates his dominance with powerful strikes from the top position. The round ends with Volkanovski maintaining control.

MMA Hook scores the round 10-9 in favor of Volkanovski.

Round 2: Rodriguez experiences a challenging round, succumbing to an easy takedown. Volkanovski recognizes Rodriguez’s vulnerability in that position and is likely to exploit it further in the following rounds.

Although Volkanovski sustains a cut under his left eye from an elbow strike, he appears in perfect condition otherwise. The second round begins with both fighters exchanging kicks. Rodriguez attempts a kicking combination that narrowly misses its mark.

Volkanovski keeps up the pressure, while Rodriguez showcases his diverse kicking repertoire. Rodriguez lands a solid low kick and should aim for more of those. Volkanovski remains patient and composed. Volk delivers a significant strike that pushes Rodriguez back, but the latter retaliates with a powerful shot of his own. Volkanovski seizes the opportunity, shoots for a takedown, and spins to Rodriguez’s back. Although Rodriguez manages to stand up, Volkanovski maintains his grip, attempting to return him to the mat. Rodriguez defends by fighting Volk’s hands against the fence, but Volkanovski eventually trips him down again. Rodriguez appears to be in trouble.

Volkanovski maintains top half-guard and delivers punishing elbows. Rodriguez starts bleeding but manages to get back on his feet. Despite his efforts, Volkanovski keeps a firm hold on Rodriguez’s waist. He executes a mat return and tries to transition to Rodriguez’s back. However, Rodriguez’s wrestling skills prove inadequate, and he spins down, allowing Volkanovski to continue his assault with elbows from top half-guard.

Volkanovski maintains control, landing effective ground and pound strikes. Rodriguez tries to create scrambles and regains his guard momentarily. He attempts to elevate his legs, but his efforts prove futile. Volkanovski increases the pressure, and Rodriguez retaliates with elbows from the bottom. Blood becomes a prominent feature in the fight, with both fighters bleeding. The champ delivers a powerful right hand as Rodriguez rolls, but Volkanovski stays on him. At this point, Rodriguez seems unable to mount any significant counterattack.

MMA Hook scores the round 10-8 in favor of Volkanovski, making it 20-17 for Volkanovski overall.

Round 3: The fight is effectively over at this point. Although Rodriguez displays unwavering determination, his lack of wrestling skills and Volkanovski’s defensive prowess on the feet make it impossible for Rodriguez to turn the tide. There are likely no more than 15 minutes remaining for Rodriguez to salvage the fight.

Before the round begins, referee Herb Dean sternly warns Rodriguez about grabbing the fence and sticking fingers in the glove. It’s unclear whether he had been previously warned during the fight.

Rodriguez appears more hesitant now, which is unlikely to help him land a significant knockout blow. He throws some kicks nonetheless, but Volkanovski defends adeptly. Rodriguez tries a combination, but Volkanovski effectively defends against all three strikes, showcasing his superior technique.

Rodriguez continues to move forward, enabling him to launch some offensive attacks. However, Volkanovski thwarts his efforts. Both fighters employ feints in an attempt to outsmart each other. Volkanovski patiently awaits his opportunity.

The pace slows down in this round, with not much happening at the moment. It becomes a battle of footwork. Rodriguez relies on front kicks while landing a powerful right hand. Volkanovski absorbs the strike well. Rodriguez delivers a body kick, and Volkanovski prepares to initiate a takedown, backing Rodriguez toward the fence. Rodriguez circles away and lands a combination that momentarily forces Volkanovski to retreat. The champ defends against a 1-2 shot combo from Rodriguez and a subsequent low kick.

Rodriguez stages a comeback, throwing a series of strikes. He lands a jumping switch kick and a great left hook, followed by a head kick. His flow seems to be returning. Volkanovski, however, lands a powerful right hand as Rodriguez swings, causing Rodriguez to wobble and retreat to the fence while covering up.

Volkanovski capitalizes on the opportunity and secures a takedown. Rodriguez remains in a defensive posture as Volkanovski relentlessly attacks. The onslaught forces the referee to intervene, and the fight is over! Volkanovski finishes Yair Rodriguez.

Alexander Volkanovski defeats Yair Rodriguez via TKO (punches) at 4:19 of Round 3.

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More about UFC 290 main event

• UFC 290 Official Event Page
• Alexander Volkanovski UFC Profile
• Yair Rodriguez UFC Profile
• MMA Hook Website
• T-Mobile Arena Official Website