UFC 290’s Best Bits This Weekend Including A Possible Volkanovski-Makhachev Rematch

UFC 290 threw up many intriguing moments this weekend in a blockbuster event including Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title defense, Israel Adesanya and much more. 

Starting with Volkanovski, the featherweight champion comprehensively dominated Yair Rodriguez and stopped him in the third round.

Volkanovski showcased superior defense and secured numerous takedowns throughout the fight, landing punishing elbows that ultimately led to the victory.

This marked Volkanovski’s fifth successful title defense, although the champ’s triumph was marred by an injury suffered during the fight.

“I knew he’d switch stance and the right hook would be good, I know I could go anywhere. I showed I can wrestle and strike with the rest of them.

“Sky is the limit. There’s a few options, I need surgery on my arm, camp was a struggle, I’ll get that as soon as I’m home and fight once more this year, I’ll squash Topuria and I still want that lightweight belt,” Volkanovski

Despite the injury, Volkanovski is targeting a rematch with Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski suffered a unanimous-decision defeat at the hands of Makhachev, which is why he is keen to avenge his loss. 

“We all know I want that lightweight belt. We all know I want that rematch. I want that Islam fight. I think not only for me to get that belt, to get that win back but I think it is a massive fight for the UFC as well,” Volkanovski

Robbie Lawler’s Retirement

Robbie Lawler retired following his 38-second knockout of Niko Price. Lawler ended his career with a record of 30-16 in MMA, which included a 15-10 record in the UFC. 

The post fight celebrations were understandably emotional, as Lawler stated in his comments, when the UFC played a clip of his highlights in the cage. 

“It’s an honor and a freaking pleasure to see that. The UFC and Dana (White) did a great job of honoring me. The fans did a great job of honoring me and my career and everything I’ve given to the sport,” Lawler

Bo Nickal Stays Undefeated

Much in the same way, Bo Nickal remained undefeated with a 38-second knockout win over Val Woodburn. 

The latter was a late replacement, which is why the result must be taken with a pinch of salt. And yet, that was not the biggest news as Nickal confirmed that his wife was in fact pregnant. 

“I’m a husband [and] I’m also going to be a father soon. My wife is pregnant. And it’s really cool to knock people out in the Octagon.

“I just did it. It’s really cool. But it’s even cooler to be a good husband and a good dad, and that’s what’s most important to me in life,” Nickal

Du Plessis And Adesanya Face Off

Following Dricus Du Plessis‘ second-round TKO victory over Robert Whittaker, the star and Israel Adesanya had an intense face off. 

The pair do have some bad blood after Du Plessis made a bold statement, targeting both Adesanya and Francis Ngannou, proclaiming that he would be the first person to bring a championship belt to Africa.

However, following Adesanya’s successful recapture of the middleweight title with a victory over Alex Pereira, he responded to Du Plessis’ remarks by pledging to defeat him in a future clash.

And this time around, things appeared personal with the face off. 

Pantoja Becomes Flyweight Champion

And to round things off, Alexandre Pantoja got a split decision win against Brandon Moreno for the UFC featherweight title.

While that was the case, the fight resulted in both stars being taken to hospital. The bout was very much an intense affair as Pantoja fell to the canvas after the bout with exhaustion, while Moreno suffered a broken hand.

“I worked so hard. I left everything I had,” Pantoja

With such an action-packed weekend, UFC 290 had plenty off talking points.