Alexander Volkanovski hailed by UFC figures as the world’s pound-for-pound king after ruthless beating of Yair Rodriguez: ‘He’s an animal. He’s just so good’
- Volkanovski dismantles Rodriguez at UFC 290
- Aussie is one of the best featherweights ever
- Experts call him the pound-for-pound king
Alex Volkanovski has secured a fifth defense of his featherweight title, unifying the 145-pound crown with a dominant third-round TKO victory over interim titleholder Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290.
The stoppage came at 4 minutes and 19 seconds, with the Aussie hammering unanswered blows to the ground as Rodriguez hid.
Widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the sport, Volkanovski is ranked No. 2 in the UFC pound-for-pound ratings – but that could change after his most recent performance.
The Wollongong native came into the match after his first loss in more than 20 professional fights, as he moved up to lightweight to face champion Islam Makhachev, losing by a razor-thin decision.
Despite dropping weight again, Volkanovski looked as powerful as ever and used his wrestling to score three takedowns in the opening round while taking damage with ground and pound.
Aussie UFC star Alex Volkanovski has secured a fifth defense of his featherweight title
Volkanovski ranks No. 2 in the UFC pound-for-pound ratings – but that may change after his most recent appearance
It was much the same in the second round, with the Australian superstar continuing to control the action on the ground and tire his opponent.
After a narrow start at the third, Volkanovski stunned Rodriguez with a well-timed right hook and ended the show with a barrage of blows on his grounded opponent.
Currently, Jon Jones is number 1 in the pound-for-pound rankings, but many think Volkanovski is the best.
“What more can you say about the pound-for-pound king?!” commentator Jon Anik after the win.
UFC legend Daniel Cormier added, “He is hands down the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
‘He’s an animal. He’s just that good.’
Joe Rogan agreed, “He’s the best. It is undeniable.
“What he proved tonight is that he can take on the most unpredictable, wildest challenger in the featherweight division right now.”
Many MMA fans and pundits on Twitter also took a moment to echo these comments.
Volk is the best 145er in the world and the best p4p fighter in the world. So smart out there,” wrote MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
MMA broadcaster Adam Catterall wrote, “Pound for pound number one. Alexander Volkanovski is at the peak of his abilities and with Charles Oliveira saying he won’t be going to Abu Dhabi in October to face Makhachev, the only man for that job is the featherweight king. Feed it back.’
MMA reporter Simon Head added: ‘Alexander Volkanovski – best in the world, pound for pound. Another imperious performance from the Australian to finish off interim champion Yair Rodriguez and unify the featherweight titles.”
Many MMA experts think that Volkanovski has proven himself to be the best MMA fighter in the world
When interviewed after the fight, Volkanovski said he will have surgery on his arm before deciding what to do next.
“In the camp there was a little bit of fear, this week I flipped the switch, I am the champion and king of this division and no one will ever stop me,” he said.
“I knew he would change his stance and the right hook would be good, I know I could go anywhere. I’ve shown I can struggle and hit with the rest.
‘The sky is the limit. There are a few options, I need surgery on my arm, camp was a struggle, I will get that once I get home and fight again this year, I will crush Topuria and I still want that lightweight belt.”