ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI retained his featherweight title with a dominant victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290.
Volk’s return to the 145lbs division after his unsuccessful crack at lightweight gold topped the bill of International Fight Week card in Las Vegas.
GETTYAlexander Volkanovski locked horns with Yair Rodriguez in the main event of UFC 290[/caption]
APThe former pound-for-pound was at his dominant best against the dangerous Rodriguez[/caption]
GETTYVolkanovski’s ground and pound was too much for Rodriguez to handle[/caption]
Taekwondo thriller Rodriguez was expected to provide Volkanovski with the most dynamic challenge of his reign as featherweight king.
But he failed to stop the Aussie’s incredible winning streak in the UFC‘s shark tank of a 145lbs division, suffering a third-round TKO defeat.
After having his hand raised, an elated and fired-up Volkanovski roared: “I’m the king of this division.
“No one is ever stopping me.”
Rodriguez was light on his feet early doors, bouncing around on the outside and trying to bamboozle the undisputed champion with his footwork.
Pride of Australian MMA Volkanovski took his time to get his reads and figure out how to close the distance.
A wicked question-mark kick whistled past the head of Volk just after the minute mark and drew a big reaction from the crowd.
It wasn’t long, however, before Volkanovski secured a big takedown and started to batter the Mexican with ground and pound – which he unleashed as the round drew to a close.
GETTYA big takedown from Volkanovski was the beginning of the end for Rodriguez[/caption]
GETTYVolk rained down hellacious shots on a hurt Rodriguez until the referee called a halt to proceedings[/caption]
Rodriguez was less conservative with his kicks early in round two, firing several roundhouse and spinning strikes Volk’s way.
Volkanovski ate a big straight left as he looked to close the distance while Rodriguez was against the fence.
But he eventually got his hands on the Mexican and, in stages, grounded him before opening up a cut with strikes from top position.
A bloodied Rodriguez briefly got back to his feet but was quickly hauled back to the canvas by a relentless Volkanovski.
And just as he did in the first stanza, he ended the round on his back eating more strikes.
APVictory over Rodriguez marked Volkanovski’s fifth straight title defence[/caption]
Rodriguez didn’t let his long stint on the ground in the previous round deter him from throwing kicks.
A right head kick narrowly missed the dome of Volkanovski after a two-punch combination.
Rodriguez then dipped into the front kick well and had some success, although Vokanovski did a good job of seeing El Pantera’s dangerous weapons coming his way and countering.
Rodriguez soon found himself stung by a big counter right moments after recovering from an accidental headbutt.
A power double-leg takedown followed and Volkanovski proceeded to posture up and drop unanswered bombs which prompted the ref to wave off the contest.