The UFC once again delivered an incredible show during their latest International Fight Week event, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski and Alexandre Pantoja’s title wins. The event took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and featured a stacked UFC 290 card that had fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights from UFC 290.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge the significance of UFC 189, which took place eight years ago. This event left a lasting impression on the MMA world and solidified the UFC’s annual International Fight Week as the Super Bowl of MMA. While there have been some memorable events since then, UFC 290 has the potential to be the Event of the Year. Fans and fighters alike were blown away by the excitement and energy of the event, making it one of the best cards in recent memory.
Starting from the top, Alexander Volkanovski’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He showcased his skills and dominated Yair Rodriguez in a way no one has since Frankie Edgar back in 2017. Despite facing a dangerous striker, Volkanovski demonstrated his defensive prowess by only taking 13 significant head strikes throughout the fight. It’s time for Volkanovski to face the next challenge in his career, and many are hoping to see him square off against Ilia Topuria.
The flyweight division has proven to be a crowd-pleaser, with exciting fights one after another. Alexandre Pantoja’s victory over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 was no exception. The bout was intense and lived up to its expectations. Pantoja, who had long been deserving of a title shot, finally got his chance and didn’t disappoint. While there is talk of a potential fourth fight between Pantoja and Moreno, a rematch against Brandon Royval would undoubtedly bring chaos and excitement.
Dricus Du Plessis shocked many with his dominant performance against Robert Whittaker. Despite being seen as the underdog, Du Plessis proved why he deserves a shot at middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. This victory has elevated the anticipation and excitement around the grudge match between Du Plessis and Adesanya. It’s clear that the UFC matchmakers made the right decision in putting these two fighters against each other.
Retirements in the UFC don’t always go as planned, with legends often exiting the sport on a disappointing note. However, Robbie Lawler’s retirement at UFC 290 was a different story. From the matchmaking to the performance, everything aligned perfectly for Lawler. In just 38 seconds, Lawler secured a knockout victory over Niko Price, showcasing his trademark aggression and power. It was a fitting end to Lawler’s storied career and will be remembered as one of the most memorable retirements in MMA history.
Overall, UFC 290 delivered a night of exhilarating fights and unforgettable moments. The event showcased the talent and excitement that the UFC is known for. With fighters like Volkanovski, Pantoja, Du Plessis, and Lawler stealing the show, it’s clear that the future of MMA is bright. Fans can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds for the sport.
