One of the most exciting nights in MMA history unfolded on Saturday during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. UFC 290 showcased a series of remarkable performances and thrilling moments that left fans on the edge of their seats. With two title fights, a high-profile retirement, and several fights that exceeded expectations, the T-Mobile Arena witnessed a truly magical night. Let’s delve deeper into the key takeaways from this summer’s UFC showcase.
1. Alexander Volkanovski exceeds expectations:
Defending pound-for-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski faced his toughest challenge yet and made it look effortless. Volkanovski showcased his dominance by utilizing a powerful wrestling attack against interim champion Yair Rodriguez, who is known for his striking abilities. “Alexander the Great” also displayed his ground-and-pound skills, leaving Rodriguez bloodied. Volkanovski’s well-rounded game and continuous improvement make him a potential all-time great. However, before he can pursue other divisions, he will undergo arm surgery.
2. Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Moreno deliver a flyweight classic:
The flyweight division has produced some incredible fights in recent years, thanks to fighters like Demetrius Johnson and Henry Cejudo. The third meeting between Pantoja and Moreno lived up to the division’s reputation. Both fighters poured their heart and soul into the fight, but Pantoja’s grappling prowess and determination earned him the victory. Pantoja’s emotional post-fight speech, surrounded by his wife and kids, marked a defining moment in his career.
3. Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya set the stage for an intense pre-fight build-up:
Du Plessis shocked the world by defeating former champion Robert Whittaker as a substantial underdog. Du Plessis’ dominant performance has ignited a feud with Adesanya, as both fighters engaged in a heated face-off filled with colorful language and underlying tensions. This rivalry has the potential to create true electricity in their eventual title fight, showcasing their incredible skills and intensity.
4. Robbie Lawler’s walk-off KO ends career on a high note:
Considered one of the greatest action stars in UFC history, Robbie Lawler retired on his own terms with a memorable knockout. Despite being 41 years old, Lawler finished his final opponent, Nick Price, in just 38 seconds without sustaining much damage. UFC’s post-fight production, which included a video montage of Lawler’s career highlights, made the moment even more special.
5. Mixed results for promising prospects:
Three highly touted prospects faced varying outcomes at UFC 290. Middleweight Bo Nickal continued his undefeated streak with an impressive knockout victory, emphasizing his punching power. However, Yazmin Jauregui, a rising star from Mexico, suffered a setback as Denise Gomes unexpectedly finished her in just 20 seconds. Another unfortunate incident surrounded welterweight Jack Della Maddalena, who faced multiple opponent changes and ultimately did not compete due to his replacement’s health issues.
Overall, UFC 290 provided an unforgettable night of action, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future events and potential matchups.
