UFC 290 delivered an exceptional fight card on Saturday night, undoubtedly the best of the year. One of the standout moments was the clash between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez, unifying the belts in an epic battle. However, it was the co-main event that truly stole the show, featuring flyweight challenger Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, resulting in one of the most remarkable championship fights in UFC history. Here are the key highlights from this historic evening:
A rematch is necessary for Moreno/Pantoja – The match between Moreno and Pantoja unfolded as a five-round war between two highly skilled fighters. The intensity of their bout brought to mind the thrilling boxing encounters of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, as both warriors exhibited relentless aggression. Pantoja nearly finished Moreno in the opening round with a powerful punch, also causing a deep cut above Moreno’s eye. Despite the adversity, Moreno displayed the heart of a true champion, surviving the round and valiantly fighting back to claim the second round. From rounds three to five, both fighters intensified their efforts, with Pantoja setting the tone early in each round with a barrage of power punches and key takedowns giving him ground control in rounds three, four and five that gave him control of the fight. Ultimately, Pantoja emerged victorious by a split decision, securing the flyweight championship. After the fight, an emotional Pantoja reflected on the challenges he faced within his family dynamics and the arduous journey to claim the title:
Alexander Volkanovski’s excellence shines through – Volk effortlessly outclassed the highly skilled Yair Rodriguez in their title unification bout. Despite Rodriguez’s intense training at elevated altitudes in Aztec temples and being in the best physical condition of his career, Volkanovski proved to be on a different planet skill- wise from the very beginning. He asserted his dominance over Rodriguez, dictating the pace of the fight. In the second round, Volkanovski landed a powerful punch that led to a TKO victory, overwhelming Rodriguez with a flurry of punches and leaving him unable to mount a counterattack. Volkanovski’s sights are now set on making history by becoming a double champion, as he eagerly anticipates a rematch with Islam Makhachev, a bout that many believe he deserved to win in their initial encounter:
The rivalry between Du Plessis and Adesanya reaches boiling point – Following a commanding display by Dricus Du Plessis, resulting in a second-round TKO victory over Robert Whittaker, tensions escalated dramatically when Israel Adesanya entered the ring and directed racial slurs towards Du Plessis. Hailing from South Africa, Du Plessis asserted himself as the sole authentic fighter from Africa due to his residence and training there. Adesanya took offense to Du Plessis’ remarks and had been openly critical of him in the months leading up to his bout against Whittaker. As a result, Du Plessis now secures the position of the number one contender and is set to face Adesanya in a highly anticipated showdown for the middleweight championship.
Du Plessis responded to Izzy by calling him a clown:
Bo Nickal is “him”– Nickal continues his impressive UFC rise as one of the hottest prospects in the whole company by knocking out Vai Woodburn in thirty-eight seconds. Nickal is now 5-0 in MMA fights and 2-0 in the UFC. Expect the UFC to start providing tougher tests for Nickal and don’t be surprised if a top-15 fight type card is next for the young phenom.
Robbie Lawler Retires With Storybook Ending– After a storied 22-year career the legendary “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler earned his nickname by knocking out Niko Price in just 38 seconds in round 1. Lawler, whose overall MMA record is 30-16, with 15 of those victories coming in the UFC is retiring as one of the best welterweights in the history of the organization. After the fight, the UFC played a video encapsulating his 22-year career:
UFC 290 Fight Card & Results
– Featherweight championship: Alex Volkanovski def. Yair Rodriguez by TKO
-Flyweight championship: Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Moreno by split decision
-Middleweight: Dricus Du Plessis def. Robert Whittaker by TKO
-Catchweight (158 lbs): Dan Hooker def. Jalin Turner by split decision
– Middleweight: Bo Nickal def. Val Woodburn by TKO
-Welterweight: Robbie Lawler def. Niko Price by KO
-Catchweight (130 lbs): Tatsuro Taira def. Edgar Chairez by unanimous decision
-Women’s strawweight: Denise Gomes def. Yazmin Jauregui by TKO
-Light heavyweight: Alonzo Menifield def. Jimmy Crute by submission
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