UFC returns this weekend with a main event involving a title unification bout. The current men’s UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski will be facing off against interim champion Yair Rodriguez.
Before checking out our UFC 290 picks, look at the best UFC betting sites and the UFC Vegas betting odds.
Middleweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus du Plessis
When analyzing the Middleweight title eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Dricus du Plessis, it becomes apparent why Whittaker is the overwhelming favorite.
The former interim middleweight champion has consistently showcased his skills with a remarkable record of 13-2 in his last 15 fights.
While Whittaker fell short in his quest to dethrone Israel Adesanya at UFC 271, he swiftly rebounded by securing a unanimous decision victory against Marvin Vettori seven months later.
Despite being viewed as the clear underdog, du Plessis has been steadily building an impressive resume of his own. The South African fighter boasts a flawless 5-0 record in the UFC and is currently riding a seven-fight winning streak.
Notably, he has finished six opponents, recently delivering a TKO victory over Derek Brunson at UFC 285.
In what promises to be an intense and hard-hitting clash, I lean towards Whittaker for the victory. He possesses the advantage of being a former interim middleweight champion and has also faced and triumphed over more formidable adversaries.
While du Plessis shows great potential, it is difficult to trust him completely when Whittaker has already conquered notable names such as Vettori, Kelvin Gastelum, and Jared Cannonier.
With the knowledge of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the division, anticipate the “Reaper” to emerge victorious and stand tall once again.
Flyweight: Brandon Moreno vs. Alexander Pantoja
It is worth highlighting that the upcoming bout between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja is not their first encounter inside the octagon. Back in 2018, they faced off, and Pantoja secured a unanimous decision victory. During the fight, Pantoja showcased dominance, outstriking Moreno by over 30 significant strikes.
The rematch between these two fighters is highly anticipated, particularly as they both enter the bout after impressive victories.
Moreno secured a remarkable third-round KO/TKO win over Deiveson Figueiredo in January 2023, while Pantoja claimed a first-round submission victory over Alex Perez in July 2022.
When considering a potential winner, it is essential to acknowledge Moreno’s status as the reigning champion. The 29-year-old has proven his mettle and resilience in past fights.
While Pantoja may bring an initial flurry of attacks, Moreno possesses the ability to weather the storm before taking control on the ground.
Notably, Moreno’s track record of 1.80 takedowns per 15 minutes surpasses Pantoja’s record of 1.37, highlighting his advantage in grappling exchanges.
Moreno is the pick in this one. I would bet on him to win this fight at -200 odds at Bovada.
Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez
The main event of UFC 290 features a highly anticipated title unification bout between UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and interim champion Yair Rodriguez.
According to oddsmakers, Volkanovski enters the fight as a -375 favorite, and I believe he will successfully defend his title once again.
Volkanovski is widely regarded as the top featherweight fighter in the sport and arguably one of the best in the history of the 145lbs division.
The 34-year-old Australian boasts an impressive 12-1 record in the UFC, with 12 consecutive victories against featherweight opponents. His lone loss came against Islam Makhachev, who is currently considered one of the best MMA fighters in the world.
Despite the defeat, Volkanovski showcased remarkable resilience and skill, making the fight incredibly close.
Notably, he displayed exceptional performance while competing in a higher weight class against a larger opponent, earning him tremendous recognition.
Volkanovski possesses elite skills in all aspects of the game, exhibiting minimal weaknesses. He is undeniably one of the world’s top MMA fighters, justifying the odds that heavily favor him in this matchup.
Nevertheless, Rodriguez seizes a significant opportunity and will do everything in his power to shock the world and secure a massive upset to claim the belt. The 30-year-old Mexican has been a part of the UFC since 2014, accumulating an overall record of 10-2 with 1 no-contest.
He has gained a reputation for his exciting fighting style, showcasing impressive striking abilities and dangerous submission skills on the ground.
Although Rodriguez has performed well in the UFC, he faces an immense challenge against Volkanovski, one of the sport’s finest competitors.
Rodriguez’s poor takedown defense is worth noting, standing at 63%. In a fight where his best chances lie in striking, expect Volkanovski to impose his grappling skills.
Despite Rodriguez’s creative, striking, and entertaining style, this matchup appears unfavorable for him. Volkanovski, arguably one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, holds the advantage both on the feet and on the ground.
Therefore, I predict Volkanovski to emerge victorious, securing a decision victory over Rodriguez.
See below the top online betting sites where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
