![]() ![]() Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information / Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. ^ Back to Top ^ © 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Rodriguez, 30, had only one loss since 2017 before Saturday. The fighter from Chihuahua, Mexico, had won two in a row and three of four coming in. Rodriguez (15-4, 1 NC) won the interim title by beating Josh Emmett via second-round submission at UFC 284 in February. Volkanovski now has the second-most title-fight wins (six) in UFC featherweight history after Jose Aldo (eight). Volkanovski outlanded Rodriguez 66-40 in significant strikes, including a 37-2 differential on the ground, according to ESPN Stats & Information. "I've shown I could grapple and wrestle and strike with the best of them. "You talk about well-rounded," Volkanovski said. Volkanovski is 11-0 in UFC at 145 pounds. This was his fifth successful UFC featherweight title defense. Volkanovski, 34, has been UFC featherweight champion since beating Max Holloway at UFC 245 on Dec. The Australian-born fighter had won 22 straight fights before the loss to Makhachev, including his first 12 in UFC. "These people want extra time, and I'm telling you I need surgery and I'll probably turn up there in October," Volkanovski said. Asked about the possibility of fighting Makhachev in October, Volkanovski said he's "not ruling that out." ![]() ![]() 21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and top contender Charles Oliveira, the former lightweight champ, has said he probably wouldn't be able to return to action by then after his knockout win over Beneil Dariush in June. Makhachev is likely to headline UFC 294 on Oct. Whatever he wants to do, we'll probably roll with it." "A lot of people think he won the Islam fight. "The guy has proven himself so many times," White said. Volkanovski said he still would like to fight before the end of the year. ![]() He said he still wants another shot at Makhachev and the 155-pound belt down the road, but he likely needs surgery on his right arm. Volkanovski (26-2) moved up to challenge Makhachev in his previous fight, losing in a close unanimous decision. "I think Volkanovski came up with an incredible game plan and implemented it perfectly," White said. In the third, Volkanovski kept things on the feet, a risky proposition, but was able to hurt Rodriguez with the big right hook. Volkanovski cut Rodriguez near his left eye and by his left ear with elbows on the ground in the second round. Volkanovski got takedowns in the first and second rounds and controlled things on the ground. Anyone who knows this game knows how dangerous he was." "You've gotta expect the unexpected," Volkanovski said. It certainly did not help Volkanovski that the crowd was overwhelmingly in favor of Rodriguez with several Mexican fighters like Rodriguez on the card in an area with a large Mexican American population.īut Volkanovski said he was able to turn a switch this week and focus on the task at hand. Rodriguez, taller than Volkanovski, is a striking specialist who attacks from all angles with all of his weapons, from fists to elbows to knees and whipping kicks. Volkanovski said some "fear" crept in during his training camp because of how potent and creative Rodriguez's offense can be. "The guy is an absolute freak," UFC president Dana White said of Volkanovski. At featherweight, Volkanovski was ranked No. 1 on its pound-for-pound MMA list with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. "No one is ever stopping me."īefore UFC 290, ESPN had Volkanovski tied for No. "I'm the king of this division," Volkanovski said in his postfight interview in the Octagon. Rodriguez came in as the interim featherweight champion. With the victory, Volkanovski retained the UFC featherweight title. Volkanovski went in for the takedown and fired off a barrage of big punches from top position en route to a TKO at 4 minutes, 19 seconds of the third round Saturday in the main event of UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena. Then he delivered a bruising right hook of his own that hurt Rodriguez badly. Volkanovski nodded his head in acknowledgment of the blows. LAS VEGAS - Yair Rodriguez had his best moment of the fight, landing a grazing kick that snapped Alexander Volkanovski's head back then following with a combination, including a left that landed flush to Volkanovski's jaw. You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browserĪlexander Volkanovski stays UFC champ with TKO of Yair Rodriguez ![]()
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