UFC 290: How it panned out

Having been billed as one of the biggest nights on the UFC calendar in 2023, UFC 290 seriously delivered to a capacity crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

On occasion in recent months, the packed fight cards have underwhelmed somewhat when the fighters stepped into the octagon but there was no such worries at UFC 290, as every single fight on the bill delivered in a big way.

As ever with a big UFC event, the global interest in each fight is at fever pitch, with betting sites awash with different options for punters – as they look to gamble on the inner workings of each UFC battle.

The appeal of being able to punt on the UFC has boomed globally and betting sites Australia were quick to offer punters a range of betting options on each and every bout on the card from Las Vegas.

With so much to digest, here is a rundown of how UFC 290 panned out:

Dan Hooker gets the job done

Whilst it was tucked away in an intense card of action, Dan Hooker versus Jalin Turner caught the imagination in the Lightweight division and it did not disappoint.

Going the distance over 5 enthralling rounds, Hooker managed to land the more meaningful strikes to the game Turner, and he was given the decision.

Du Plessis shows his class

One of the most eagerly anticipated bouts on the card from Las Vegas at UFC 290 was the meeting between South African powerhouse Dricus Du Plessis and Kiwi, Robert Whittaker.

In an enthralling battle for the ages, both men had their chances – striking with venom and both registering takedowns before it was the South African Du Plessis who struck the decisive blows.

The second round knockout was devastating, leaving the packed crowd at the T-Mobile Arena on their feet and it was a performance that made the rest of the UFC Middleweight division stand up and take note.

Brazil overcomes Mexico – for now

The co-main event at UFC 290 was always going to be fiery and the flyweight clash between Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Moreno was an absolute classic.

With both men able to demonstrate their incredible power and agility, the whole fight was an enthralling watch – which could have gone either way for long periods.

It was Alexandre Pantoja who prevailed, taking a split decision and whilst the fight is over for now – don’t be surprised to see those two go at it again in the not too distant future.

Alexander truly is the great

The featherweight division in the UFC seems to have an insatiable habit of attracting the most exciting brawlers on the planet and once again, it lived up to its billing at UFC 290.

Alexander Volkanovski is the current UFC Featherweight Champion, and he looked set to be put to one of his sternest tests yet, against the enigmatic Yair Rodriguez.

Whilst it was hardly one-way traffic, Volkanovski was able to assert his dominance from the outset, combining his power with octagon knowhow to seriously good effect.

It all proved too much for the Mexican Rodriguez in the early stages of the third round, as Volkanovski landed plenty of punches on the button and the fight came to an abrupt end.

The win unified the Featherweight Division for Volkanovski, who is certainly in the mix as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC currently.