Unleashing Amazing Skill: Alexander Volkanovski Unifies Featherweight title with Jaw-dropping TKO in the Third Round of Yair Rod?

Ben Madilynn July 9, 2023

Alexander Volkanovski, in a bout that displayed his unwavering determination and amazing skill, successfully unified featherweight title by a TKO third-round of Yair. Volkanovski dominated Rodriguez from the start with his trademark combination power and precision. Rodriguez put up a valiant fight, but Volkanovski’s superior technical prowess and striking accuracy proved to be his difference-maker. He dominated for the majority of the game.

In the third, Volkanovski stepped up the intensity, landing a series devastating shots, leaving Rodriguez scrambling in defense. The crowd was erupting with excitement when the Australian fighter delivered a thunderous final blow to send Rodriguez crashing down on the floor, ending the match and solidifying Volkanovski as one of most dominant featherweights ever. Volkanovski’s impressive win once again proved that he is a featherweight force to be reckoned and deserves his place in MMA’s greats.

The UFC featherweight belt is still intact and around the waist. Alexander Volkanovski.

Yair Yair entered the octagon of T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, to defend his interim championship. Volkanovski (26 MMA, 13-1 UFC), however, wasn’t willing to relinquish it. Volkanovski made a big statement in the UFC 290 Main Event. He defeated Rodriguez (16-3 MMA 10-2 UFC) via TKO at 4:19 of Round 3.

During the feel-out phase, Volkanovski repeatedly changed his stances while Rodriguez watched him. Volkanovski received a head kick that came out of nowhere. Volkanovski then caught a body kick and completed a takedown. Rodriguez tried to scramble up to his feet but failed. Volkanovski spent a great deal of time on top control in the opening round and landed a few powerful shots.

Rodriguez started the second round with a series kicks at different angles. Volkanovski was forced to be on his guard. Volkanovski sent Rodriguez flying into the fence with a huge punch. Volkanovski used this opportunity to take the fight down to the ground. He pounded Rodriguez, who was now a bloody mess, with heavy punches.

In order to alter the course of the bout, Rodriguez was able put together some nice combinations. Volkanovski was able to close out the show when the fight resumed following a short pause caused by a nasty headbutt.

Volkanovski’s vicious right hand cracked Rodriguez and it was obvious he did not like it. Volkanovski closed in quickly, swarmed the referee with punches and the fight was called.

Volkanovski, in an interview after the fight, said that he would immediately return to the gym and prepare for his new challenge. Ilia TOPURIA, who is sitting cageside at the time, would be his next opponent, Volkanovski said. “show him what’s up.” Volkanovski has also stated his intention to compete for the lightweight title in the future.

Rodriguez failed to unify the title, and it was his first loss since losing to former champion Max Holloway by unanimous decision in 2021. He bounced back from this setback by winning by stoppage over Brian Ortega. Then, at UFC 284 he claimed the interim belt after defeating Josh Emmett.

The latest UFC 290 results are:

Alexander Volkanovski def. Yair Rodriguez via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:19
Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Moreno via split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)
Dricus Du Plessis def. Robert Whittaker via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:23
Dan Hooker def. Jalin Turner via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Bo Nickal def. Val Woodburn via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:38
Robbie Lawler def. Niko Price via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:38
Tatsuro Taira def. Edgar Chairez via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Denise Gomes def. Yazmin Jauregui via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:20
Alonzo Menifield def. Jimmy Crute via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 1:55
Vitor Petrino def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 3:42
Cameron Saaiman def. Terrence Mitchell via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:10
Jesus Aguilar def. Shannon Ross via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:17
Esteban Ribovics def. Kamuela Kirk via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)