Alexander Volkanovski’s next fight has been booked.
His opponent? None other than the formidable Yair Rodriguez, the current Interim UFC Featherweight Champion.
Hailing from Australia, Alexander Volkanovski has been a formidable force within the UFC. With a current record of 25 wins and 2 losses, the dynamic fighter has earned his reputation for his agility, striking prowess, and persistent fighting style.
Volkanovski now reigns as the current UFC Featherweight Champion and the UFC ranks him as tied for the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world alongside Islam Makhachev, further highlighting his reputation as one of the greatest UFC fighters competing today.
Volkanovski’s Last Fight: A Pound-For-Pound Battle
In his previous bout, Volkanovski showcased his versatility by stepping up in weight class to challenge the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in February 2023. The fight was held in Perth, Australia, marking a significant milestone in Volkanovski’s career as it was his bid for two-weight champion status.
Despite an impressive performance, Volkanovski faced a unanimous decision loss. Nevertheless, his valiant effort in moving up to 155 pounds garnered much admiration, showcasing his potential and determination as a fighter. It should also be noted that many fans and media members scored the fight in favor of Volkanovski, who finished the fight well after a slow first two rounds.
Volkanovski’s Next Fight: The Unification Bout
Alexander Volkanovski’s next fight is against Yair Rodriguez, the interim featherweight champion.
Rodriguez, originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, claimed the interim title after submitting Josh Emmett in a fight that also took place at UFC 284. Rodriguez boasts a record of 15 wins, 3 losses, and has been victorious in 4 of his past 5 official bouts, with his only loss coming against former champion Max Holloway.
In a recent interview with TheMacLife, Volkanovski expressed his anticipation and respect for Rodriguez, highlighting the latter’s unpredictability and dangerous arsenal of attacks. However, Volkanovski remains confident in his defensive skills and ability to control the fight.
“I’m looking at him as a real challenger — like he’s a dangerous fighter,” Volkanovski told TheMacLife. “He could be one of the most dangerous fighters I’ve fought, really. When you talk about unpredictability and knockout power and so many different tools, you need to take him really serious.
“I think I’m the best fighter in the world, so am I confident? Yeah, but I know not to take this guy lightly. He’s been dominating and looking good in his last few fights”
The bout is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena on July 8, 2023, and promises a thrilling spectacle as two top fighters contend for the unified featherweight title.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez
Here’s a look at the tale of the tape before Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez:
| Matchup | Alexander Volkanovski | Yair Rodriguez |
|---|---|---|
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 25-2-0 | 16-3-0 (1 NC) |
| Average Fight Time | 17:28 | 13:11 |
| Height | 5′ 6″ | 5′ 11″ |
| Weight | 145 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
| Reach | 71″ | 71″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| DOB | Sep 29, 1988 | Oct 06, 1992 |
Comparing the two fighters reveals a few intriguing details. Volkanovski is almost always at a height disadvantage when he fights in the UFC and this fight will be no different. Volkanovski enters at 5′ 6″ and wills and across from the 5′ 11″ Rodriguez at UFC 290.
Despite this, Volkanovski will have equal reach to Rodriguez with both fighters recording 71″ reach.
Betting Odds
| Fighter | Betting Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski | -450 | 81.8% |
| Yair Rodriguez | +350 | 22.2% |
The latest UFC betting odds currently favor Volkanovski with odds of -450, implying an 81.8% chance of winning. On the other hand, Rodriguez comes in as the underdog at +350, indicating an approximate 22.2% chance of victory. In fractional format, the odds are 2/9 for Volkanovski and 7/2 for Rodriguez.
How to Watch Volkanovski’s Next Fight
UFC 290, featuring this title unification bout, can be viewed via ESPN+ PPV.
As we draw closer to the event, keep an eye on our UFC Predictions page for expert picks and betting tips for this fight and all other UFC fights. To stay updated with the latest news and picks, don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter that contains exclusive predictions and betting tips.
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