Despite entering Saturday’s UFC 290 main event as a three-to-one underdog, Yair Rodriguez is being touted as the toughest test yet for world featherweight champion Aleksandr Volkanovski.
After scoring in the second round over Josh Emmett to capture the interim featherweight title, Rodriguez will attempt to redeem the undisputed gold against the world number two. Practically everyone picked Volkanovski to come out on top inside the T-Mobile Arena, but celebrity kickboxer John Anik expects El Pantera to give Volkanovski a real run for his money during International Fight Week.
“Yair Rodriguez is the goddamn guy,” Annick said. MMA fighting. “One of one” Dominic Cruz coined it, and I’m not sure more appropriate words were used to describe an athlete. I have no point of comparison when it comes to Yair Rodriguez. I fully believe he would be a rival to Aleksander Volkanowski.”
Anik sees no rush in Volkanovski-Makhachev rematch after fight with Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez captured the interim 145-pound crown at UFC 284, the same night Aleksandr Volkanovski attempted to become a two-division world champion, challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship. The Dagestani destroyer surged to the top with a unanimous decision that was vetted by fans and fighters alike. The somewhat controversial result left the door wide open for a rematch, but John Anik thinks there is no rush to bring back their contender for the fight of the year.
“I feel like with the Makhachev-Volkanovsky match, you can let that spice up a bit,” said Anik. “I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that that fight can come to fruition even after three or four years. I just think with the wealth of talent you have now at 145 and 155, it’s not about beating while the iron is hot. I think it’s an ambition. Just thinking Volkanowski would pass Yair completely unscathed and turn him around in October.
“The only thing I would say is that when we sat down with Alex to start the year, he said he wanted to fight four times in 2023, and I definitely think – in the words of Michael Chandler – that Volkanowski has been here for a good while and it’s not too long,” continued Anik. “I really think he’s trying to put both training camps together and realize those wages and not fight until his 40s. So I think we should enjoy Folanovski while we can, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him try a quick turn even if it’s a tough fight in July.”
Islam Makhachev is aiming to return to the action in October when the promotion returns to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294. Aleksandr Volkanevsky has shown interest in making a quick turn around to compete in the event, but don’t expect to see what lies ahead heavily for them. The rematch has been booked so far. Makhachev is currently set to defend his lightweight title against former foe Charles Oliveira or possibly the winner of this month’s UFC 291 tournament between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
As for Volkanovski’s next title defense, should he get past Yair Rodriguez on Saturday night, he could face 14-0 reigning champion Elia Topuria. “El Matador” earned a decisive unanimous decision win over Josh Emmett last month, propelling himself into the top five in the division and potentially the next guy in line for a title shot.