On July 8, 2023, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted UFC 290, a night filled with electrifying mixed martial arts action that surpassed its hype.
The event showcased two championship bouts, a middleweight title eliminator, and a stacked undercard, providing unforgettable finishes, thrilling exchanges, and unexpected upsets.
Main Event: Unification and Controversy
In the highly anticipated unification bout of UFC 290, featherweight titans Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez collided in the main event.
Volkanovski, the reigning champion boasting a dominant 23-1 record and a reputation for precision striking and suffocating wrestling, entered the octagon.
On the other side, Rodriguez, the interim champion, brought explosive knockout power and unorthodox techniques, making him a dangerous wildcard.
The bout unfolded as a grueling five-round battle, with both champions showcasing their exceptional skills.
Volkanovski controlled the distance and dictated the pace with superior footwork and a precise jab, while Rodriguez responded with lightning-fast spinning kicks and opportunistic takedowns.
The victory was awarded to Volkanovski by a narrow margin in a split decision by the judges.
However, the outcome remains controversial, as many fans and pundits argue that Rodriguez landed more significant strikes and deserved the nod.
Flyweight Championship: Moreno Reclaims the Gold
In the co-main event, a rematch for the flyweight championship unfolded between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja.
Their initial clash at UFC 277 ended in a thrilling draw, leaving the title picture in suspense.
In this rematch, Moreno recognized for his relentless pressure and unorthodox grappling, secured a decisive victory with a dominant rear-naked choke submission in the third round.
This triumph marked Moreno’s third reign as the flyweight champion, establishing his position as one of the division’s all-time greats.
Unforgettable Finishes and Upsets
The undercard of UFC 290 was packed with action, delivering many highlight-reel finishes and stunning upsets. Some of the most notable moments included:
- Alessandra Pantoja’s brutal liver kick KO over Manon Fiorot to capture the vacant women’s strawweight championship.
- Dricus du Plessis’ thunderous knockout of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the middleweight title eliminator.
- Michel Pereira’s flying knee KO of Andre Fialho in a wild welterweight brawl.
- Gillian Robertson’s dominant grappling display against Taila Santos in a convincing women’s flyweight victory.
Impact and Legacy
UFC 290 made history and excelled in every aspect.
It solidified the legacies of champions such as Volkanovski and Moreno.
Displayed the emerging talents of athletes like du Plessis and Pantoja, and gave fans unforgettable moments of excitement and skill.
The event’s triumph underscores the lasting appeal of mixed martial arts and its power to engage viewers worldwide.
Conclusion
UFC 290 is sure to go down in MMA history as a game-changer.
It featured champions being crowned, underdogs making their mark, and finishes that will forever be remembered in the sport’s history.
Now that the excitement has subsided, fans are eagerly looking forward to the next installment of these rivalries and the ongoing development of MMA as a global sensation.
FAQs
Who headlined the event?
The main event featured a heavyweight title fight between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane.
Who won the main event?
Francis Ngannou won the main event by unanimous decision, retaining his heavyweight title.
What other notable fights were on the main card?
The main card also featured a light heavyweight bout between;
- Thiago Santos and Jamahal Hill.
- A welterweight fight between Vicente Luque and Michel Pereira.
- A women’s strawweight clash between Amanda Lemos and Michelle Waterson.
What were some of the most exciting fights on the prelims?
There were several exciting fights on the prelims, including a bantamweight battle between Cody Stamann and Said Nurmagomedov.
A lightweight matchup between Rafael dos Anjos and Bryan Barberena,
And a middleweight contest between Andre Muniz and Eryk Anders.
Were there any knockouts or submissions on the prelims?
Yes, there were several knockouts and submissions on the prelims, including;
knockouts for Said Nurmagomedov, Bruno Ferreira, and Rafael dos Anjos.
