Alexander Volkanovski came painfully close to becoming a double-champ early in 2023, going down by unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev in a fight many thought he should have won, and perhaps would have if the fifth round was 20 seconds longer.
While Volkanovski is eager to run it back at lightweight, first he must go back down to featherweight and defend his title there, starting with interim title holder Yair Rodriguez.
Rodriguez claimed the interim strap in a clash with Josh Emmett, on the same card that saw Volkanovski challenge Makachev, but it will require another level from the Mexican to take down the current P4P number one fighter in the UFC.
Here's everything you need to know about the fight.
When is Volkanovski vs Rodriguez?
Volkanovski vs Rodriguez will feature on a blockbuster UFC 290 card, which is on July 8 (July 9 in Australia).
MORE: Alex Volkanovski calls for rematch with Islam Makhachev following UFC 284
For both fighters, it will be just under five months out of the cage since their respective bouts at UFC 284.
Volkanovski vs Rodriguez start time
Volkanovski and Rodriguez have been confirmed as the main event for UFC 290.
The main card, pay-per-view portion of the event will kick off at midday AEST, meaning Volkanovski and Rodriguez will step into the ring some time after 2:15pm.
Where will Volkanovski vs Rodriguez take place?
UFC 290 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
It will be Volkanovski's fourth appearance at the venue, having defeated Max Holloway to win the title there at UFC 245, defended his belt against Brian Ortega at UFC 266 and completed a clean sweep of his trilogy with Holloway at UFC 276.
Rodriguez has yet to fight at the T-Mobile Arena.
Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez tickets
Tickets are currently not on sale for Alexander Volkanovski's fight with Yair Rodriguez.
How to watch Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez
| Country | Date | Channel + Live Stream (main card) |
| United States | Sat. Jul 8 | ESPN+, ESPN PPV |
| Canada | Sat. Jul 8 | BELL, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel, Videotron, Telus, Eastlink, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass |
| United Kingdom | Sun. Jul 9 | BT Sport |
| Australia | Sun. Jul 9 | Main Event, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass |
Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez fight card
The flyweight championship will also be on the line with Brandon Moreno set to defend his title against Alexandre Pantoja.
Volkanovski will be joined by countryman Robert Whittaker on the card, with the The Reaper to face Dricus Du Plessis in a high-level middleweight clash.
Perth fan-favourite Jack Della Maddalena is also set to feature against Sean Brady.
A City Kickboxing teammate of Volkanovski's, Dan Hooker, will also be in action against Jalin Turner.
Confirmed fight card:
- Alex Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez for the UFC featherweight championship
- Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight championship
- Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis
- Jalin Turner vs. Dan Hooker
- Bo Nickal vs Tresean Gore
- Sean Brady vs. Jack Della Maddalena
- Yazmin Jauregui vs. Denise Gomes
- Robbie Lawler vs. Niko Price
Who will win?
While there are no official betting odds as of yet, Volkanovski will likely enter the fight as the overwhelming favourite.
Volkanovski has held the featherweight title since December 2019 and has successfully defended it four times since.
Alexander Volkanovski's past fights
Alexander Volkanovski's most recent fight was against Islam Makhachev, losing by unanimous decision in his attempt to claim the lightweight title.
MORE: What’s next for Alexander Volkanovski following UFC 284 title fight vs. Islam Makhachev?
Before this, Volkanovski defended his featherweight title with wins against Max Holloway, Chan Sung Jung, and Brian Ortega.
Volkanovski vs Rodriguez betting odds
There are currently no betting odds for Alexander Volkanovski vs Yair Rodriguez.
Alexander Volkanovski career record and bio
- Nationality: Australian
- Born: September 29, 1988
- Height: 5'6" (168cm)
- Reach: 71 inches (180cm)
- Total fights: 27
- Record: 25-2
Yair Rodriguez career record and bio
- Nationality: Mexican
- Born: October 6, 1992
- Height: 5'11" (180cm)
- Reach: 71 inches (180cm)
- Total fights: 19
- Record: 15-3-1
