![]() Frankie Edgar had BJ Penn's, and until recently, it seemed like Alex Pereira had Israel Adesanya's. It's possible that Pantoja has Moreno's number. Both Moreno and Pantoja have clearly hit a new level since their last meeting in 2018, having won a host of fights at the highest level and finished many of their opponents in that time. He's obviously electric and looked great against Josh Emmett, but his win over Brian Ortega due to a first-round shoulder injury and being taken down three times by Max Holloway of all people in their entertaining fight left a lot of questions.īrandon Moreno Leandro Bernardes/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images I'm not sold on Yair Rodriguez quite yet. Every new opponent is another person he has to prove wrong and he doesn't take the challenge for granted as shown in dominant title defense after dominant title defense. ![]() With that being said, Volkanovski's mindset is unparalleled. Four years is a heck of a title run and he likely will give way to another contender sooner rather than later. Haris Kruskic: When someone has been champion for as long as Alex Volkanovski has, it's natural to expect the other shoe to drop at some point. Rodriguez deserves the title shot, but he won't win it. Rodriguez beat Brian Ortega when the Californian couldn't continue beyond the first round with an injury, and let's just say the win over Josh Emmett looks a smidge less impressive after Ilia Topuria's Fight Night beatdown in Jacksonville. He's gone 2-1 in three fights across two years, losing to a Max Holloway that Volkanovski has handled at least twice (depending on your view of their second fight). Unlike Tom, I simply don't believe Rodriguez is on his level. In fact, I thought he edged out the decision against Makhachev, and I wouldn't argue with anyone who puts him atop their P4P list. Lyle Fitzsimmons: Like Tom, I have all the respect in the world for Volkanovski. I do think the undisputed champ will pull this off-probably over five, tense rounds-but it's hard to feel confident picking against Rodriguez. He also looks less wild and more cerebral every time he steps in the Octagon, which means Volkanovski will not only have to contend with wild bursts of random offense, but well-laid traps. While I believe he has all the skills to make life miserable for his challenger, Rodriguez has proven time and again that he can end fights in an instant, on the feet or on the mat. Having said that, the champ's Saturday fight with Yair Rodriguez makes me nervous for all of the obvious reasons. ![]() Tom Taylor: I'm part of the dwindling segment of the MMA community who still views Alexander Volkanovski as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Yair Rodriguez Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Keep scrolling to see who the B/R combat sports squad is picking to come out on top in Las Vegas this Saturday. And before that, rising middleweight prospect Bo Nickal will attempt to keep his momentum alive against the also unbeaten Val Woodburn, who stepped in to replace Tresean Gore earlier this week. The main card will also include an interesting lightweight clash between Top 15 contenders Jalin Turner and Dan Hooker. In the marquee spot, reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound staple Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to defend his title against the always unpredictable Yair Rodriguez, who currently holds interim gold in the division.īefore the featherweight title gets unified, flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will put his belt on the line in a fight with long-time contender Alexandre Pantoja, who holds a 2018 decision win over the champion and also beat him on The Ultimate Fighter.īeyond the title fights, fight fans will be treated to a high-stakes middleweight clash, with former champion Robert Whittaker taking on surging contender Dricus Du Plessis in a fight that could produce the next challenger for reigning title holder Israel Adesanya. The pay-per-view from the T-Mobile Arena will be topped by a pair of title fights. The UFC's annual International Fight Week bonanza is now well underway in Las Vegas, and on Saturday night, the fistic festivities will conclude with a stacked UFC 290 card. ![]() Alexander Volkanovski Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC ![]()
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