Volkanovski v Rodriguez UFC 290 betting picks – featherweight title

The undisputed featherweight title be will decided at UFC 290 when Alexander Volkanovski collides with Yair Rodriguez at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Sunday (AEST).

This shapes as a combat event for the ages, and fight fans will be glued to the screens when the cage door is locked behind a pair of truly great 145-pound contestants. Read on for tips and analysis.

UFC 290: Volkanovski v Rodriguez fight preview

#C Alexander Volkanovski vs #IC Yair Rodriguez

Alexander Volkanovski (25-2-0) is among the greatest athletes to ever enter an MMA octagon. The Aussie has a 12-1 record in the UFC, the sole loss recorded when he stepped up in weight to challenge for the lightweight strap against Islam Makhachev. The bout was extremely close, and many pundits thought Volkanovski did enough to claim double-champ status.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what makes the 34-year-old so good, but much of his success can be attributed to a phenomenal fight IQ, masterful footwork, and a bulletproof mentality. He is laidback, never gets ruffled, and always believes there is a path to victory. The thrill of this fight will be witnessing how Volkanovski solves the unique challenges presented by his opponent.

Yair Rodriguez (16-3-0) easily won the interim lightweight belt at his most recent contest when he choked Josh Emmett in the second round. The Mexican is tall and rangy and will enjoy a five-inch height advantage along with a five-and-a-half-inch gain in leg reach. He is 5-1 in the UFC since 2018, with the loss recorded against former champion Max Holloway. Rodriguez has an excellent kicking game, and we can expect him to go high and low in search of points.

The 30-year-old also has four wins via submission and will certainly follow Volkanovski to the mat if the opportunity arises. Rodriguez can appear lazy at times in the ring and will need to fight every single minute against the relentless attack of his opponent. Any lapse in concentration is likely to be punished by the high-level tactician opposite.

This fight may be decided by whoever wins the kicking battle. Volkanovski has devastating low kicks but will need to close distance to land his heavy blows. This opens the opportunity for Rodriguez to catch the Australian on the way in, either with kicks of his own or looping jabs. The top UFC betting sites are in Volkanovski’s corner, but there should be some moments of high tension during this contest.

Volkanovski v Rodriguez betting predictions

It is almost impossible to tip against Volkanovski given his impeccable record and ability to solve a range of opponents. He is priced too short to back straight-up, so the choice is between him winning via KO/TKO or decision. We think he might secure the finish. If you are keen on Rodriguez, back him either by submission or KO as he is unlikely to outpoint the always busy Volkanovski.

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