Looking for the latest UFC 290 picks, using industry-leading tools and data, we make our Alexander Volkanovski-Yair Rodriguez prediction for what should be an exciting fight.
With the Featherweight title on the line Alexander Volkanovski takes on Yair Rodriguez as a -450 favorite. Now 25-2 in his career, Volkanovski lost his most recent fight up a weight class against Islam Makhachev. Prior to that, he had won all 12 of his UFC bouts. On the other side, Rodriguez comes in with a 16-3 record. He won his last two fights over Brian Ortega and Josh Emmett getting to the interim title. Now he will look to unify the belt as a large underdog.
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UFC 290 Picks: Alexander Volkanovski-Yair Rodriguez Prediction
Alexander Volkanovski-Yair Rodriguez Odds
Alexander Volkanovski: -450 | Yair Rodriguez: +325
With the Featherweight title on the line Alexander Volkanovski takes on Yair Rodriguez as a -450 favorite. Now 25-2 in his career, Volkanovski lost his most recent fight up a weight class against Islam Makhachev. Prior to that, he had won all 12 of his UFC bouts. On the other side, Rodriguez comes in with a 16-3 record. He won his last two fights over Brian Ortega and Josh Emmett getting to the interim title. Now he will look to unify the belt as a large underdog.
Volkanovski comes in as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute, while absorbing 4.03. Volkanovski has also proven himself on the ground. While he only lands 0.79 takedowns, he defended well against Makhachev in his most recent right. Many of Volkanovski’s fights end in decision, but he has 12 knockouts and three submissions to his game as well.
On the other side, Rodriguez comes in with an equally well-rounded skillset. He lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute, while absorbing 4.03. On the ground, Rodriguez averages 0.79 takedowns per bout, while defending them at 63%. Similar to Volkanovski, Rodriguez will often fight to a decision. However, he has five knockouts and four submissions. It should be noted that Rodriguez lost to Max Holloway in 2021, while Volkanovski ran laps around the same opponent.
Overall, Rodriguez will be dangerous here. His leg kicks could be particularly dangerous for Volkanovski. However, Volkanovski has proven to be one of the best game planners within the UFC. As well-rounded as they come Volkanovski deserves his -450 number here.
