UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski insists he will “squash” interim champ Yair Rodriguez in their title fight as the Aussie looks to continue cleaning out the division.
Volkanovski tipped the scales at 144.5 pounds while Rodriguez weighed in at 145 pounds, making their bout official.
UFC 290 | SUN JULY 9: It’s an Aussie Takeover in Vegas for one of biggest fights of the year. UFC Champ Alex Volkanovski takes on Yair Rodriguez and fan favourite Rob Whittaker returns to the Octagon. ORDER ON MAIN EVENT ON KAYO SPORTS >
Although the Aussie conceded the pre-fight talk has been “very respectful,” there would be no nice guy acts once the two step into the cage at UFC 290 on Sunday.
“Mate, it’s been a very respectful back-and-forth,” Volkanovski said at the ceremonial weigh-ins in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I gave him the respect, I’ve been saying he’s dangerous.
“But all that s*** stops tomorrow. I go out there, I’m going to squash him, I’m going to do my thing.
“And still, baby, let’s go!”
Rodriguez, who secured the interim title at UFC 284 in Perth with a submission win over Josh Emmett, was roared on by a legion of Mexican fans at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
The tricky featherweight remains fully aware of the danger Volkanovski poses but promised to put on a show for fight fans on Sunday.
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“Thank you to all my Mexican fans for coming here,” Rodriguez said.
“We are building this sport together, not only the sport, but we’re changing lives together.
“I don’t have anything to say about my opponent. Everyone knows he’s f***ing great and we’re going to do a f***ing great job tomorrow night.
“Just wait for that.”
Elsewhere on the card, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker had a fiery face-off with South African rival Dricus du Plessis ahead of their blockbuster bout.
Whittaker stepped onto the scales at 185.5 pounds while Du Plessis weighed in at 186 to make their bout official, with the winner set to be granted a shot at middleweight champ Israel Adesanya.
MAIN CARD
Alexander Volkanovski (144.5) vs. Yair Rodriguez (145) – for featherweight title
Champ Brandon Moreno (125) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (125) – for flyweight title
Dricus Du Plessis (186) vs. Robert Whittaker (185.5)
Dan Hooker (155.5) vs. Jalin Turner (158)*
Bo Nickal (186) vs. Val Woodburn (185.5)
PRELIMS
Robbie Lawler (170.5) vs. Niko Price (171)
Edgar Chairez (129) vs. Tatsuro Taira (130) – 130-pound contract weight
Denise Gomes (115.5) vs. Yazmin Jauregui (115.5)
Jimmy Crute (205) vs. Alonzo Menifield (205.5)
EARLY PRELIMS
Vitor Petrino (206) vs. Marcin Prachnio (206)
Terrence Mitchell (135) vs. Cameron Saaiman (135)
Jesus Aguilar (126) vs. Shannon Ross (126)
Kamuela Kirk (155.5) vs. Esteban Ribovics (156)
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