A huge event for the Aussie/Kiwi fans this weekend as UFC 290 looms closer with some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s biggest stars hoping to deliver knockout performances on the big stage.
Headlining the Main-event is the UFC featherweight king Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski against the Interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez who earned the title shot against Josh Emmet at UFC 284 via Triangle choke.
Volkanovski is coming off an incredibly close unanimous decision loss against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284, demonstrating his ability to compete with and almost defeat one of the best fighters in the world. Following that impressive performance, the Aussie showcased the need for someone exceptional in the featherweight division to dethrone the reigning champ. However, Volkanovski acknowledges the danger posed by Rodriguez’s unique striking style, which he has yet to encounter in the UFC octagon.
A three-round war with Robert Whittaker Vs Dricus Du Plessis is set to secure the chance to fight for the title against the UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Whittaker enters the bout as the heavy favourite, thanks to his dominant performances against the division’s best. With a reputation for turning up the pace and overpowering his opponents, Whittaker aims to capitalize on Du Plessis’ tendency to fade in the later rounds.
Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker has a stern test ahead of him against the up-and-coming lightweight Jalin Turner. Turner has taken out four fighters from the oceanic region via TKO and submission victories and would be looking to add another one to the list. Despite a recent loss to Mateusz Gamrot, the American’s ability to rock his opponent and force them into grappling exchanges showcases his dangerous KO power putting the division on notice that he could win the fight at any moment. The Kiwi is coming into this bout with confidence with an impressive KO win against Claudio Puelles at UFC 281. This fight is a must-watch to see if ‘The Hangman’ can get it done.
Jack Della Maddalena, originally slated to face Sean Brady, will now take on late-notice replacement Josiah Harrell, making his UFC debut with an undefeated professional record of 7 victories. The Aussie is coming off an impressive submission victory against Randy Brown at UFC 284 and is currently making a tear in the welterweight division.
An exciting rematch is set as Jimmy Crute squares up with Alonzo Menifield after both fighters came to a majority draw in their match-up at UFC 284. Both parties were in an all-out war, leaving spectators at the edge of their seats wondering who would come out on top. However, after their bout, both fighters expressed their desire to fight again to prove who is the better fighter.
Shannon Ross returns for his second appearance inside the UFC octagon facing Jess Aguilia after succumbing to a quick TKO defeat by Kleydson Rodrigues at UFC 284. The Aussie will be looking to make a statement this weekend to prove that he belongs in the flyweight division.
