UFC 290 Main Card Lineup Officially Announced
The highly anticipated UFC 290 pay-per-view main card lineup has been officially announced. The event will be held in Las Vegas, at the T-Mobile Arena. This year’s event, taking place during International Fight Week on the 8th of July, features a stacked lineup with two title fights.
Main Card Lineups
Alexander Volkanovski Faces Yair Rodriguez
In the main event, UFC’s featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, faces Yair Rodriguez, interim champion.
Volkanovski, currently ranked as MMA Fighting’s number 2 pound-for-pound male fighter, aims for his fifth subsequent title defense following a loss to Islam Makhachev in February. To secure his victory, he must overcome Rodriguez, who earned the interim title by submitting Josh Emmett in the second round.
Brandon Moreno Faces Alexandre Pantoja
The co-headliner sees Brandon Moreno defending his flyweight title in a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja.
Moreno and Pantoja have previously fought twice, with Pantoja winning both encounters. Their first bout took place in a 2016 exhibition on TUF 24, followed by a rematch in a 2018 UFC bout, which Pantoja won by unanimous decision.
Robert Whittaker Faces Dricus Du Plessis
The main card lineup features a number 1 contender’s match between former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and up-and-coming contender Dricus Du Plessis.
Jalin Turner Faces Dan Hooker
Jalin Turner and Dan Hooker will face off in an electrifying lightweight bout. Turner, known for his dynamic striking and knockout power, will take on the seasoned veteran Hooker, who brings durability and well-rounded skills. Expect a fast-paced and explosive clash between these two fighters, showcasing their technical prowess and determination to secure victory in the highly competitive lightweight division.
Bo Nickael Vs Tresean Gore
Bo Nickael and Tresean Gore will face off in a middleweight clash. Nickael, a highly regarded prospect known for his power and aggression, will take on the determined and well-rounded Gore. Expect a captivating battle between these two fighters as they look to make their mark in the middleweight division. This matchup sets the tone for the night and promises to be an intense showcase of skill, determination, and ambition.
Charles Oliveira Eager and Islam Makhachev Rematch
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is eager for another shot at the current titleholder, Islam Makhachev.
After defeating Beneil Dariush in the co-main event of UFC 289 at Rogers Arena, Oliveira is in a prime position to challenge for the title once more. His first-round TKO victory over Dariush sent a strong message to the division, the promotion, and the fans.
UFC president Dana White said a rematch between Oliveira and Makhachev makes sense. Oliveira is determined to regain his title and will be ready when the opportunity arises.
‘He’s Got the Belt, and I Want to Be a Champion.’
Oliveira said through an interpreter during the post-fight news conference.
Oliveira and Makhachev first met at UFC 280 for the vacant lightweight title. Makhachev submitted Oliveira in the second round. With a fresh victory over Dariush, Oliveira is confident in his ability to face Makhachev again without changing his approach.
