UFC 290 delivered one of the most unforgettable fight nights in recent mixed martial arts history, and in this comprehensive guide, you will discover everything about the event — from its background and complete fight card to step-by-step viewing guides, real-life examples, analysis for training purposes, and trends shaping UFC events in 2025 and beyond.
UFC 290 was more than a major MMA card. It was a showcase of technique, conditioning, championship mentality, and elite matchmaking. Whether you’re a brand-new UFC follower or a seasoned fan.
What Is UFC 290?
UFC 290 was a premier pay-per-view event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It was hosted on July 8, 2023, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week — traditionally one of the most prestigious weeks in the UFC calendar.
The event featured:
Two world title fights
Multiple top-contender matchups
Veteran legends and rising young talents
Fan-favorite fighters with global appeal
While the card attracted mainstream hype, what made UFC 290 truly historic was the combination of high-stakes championship fights, unexpected upsets, and dominant performances that reshaped several divisions.
Why UFC 290 Was So Important
Championship Stakes
The event included two world championship bouts that had significant implications:
Featherweight Championship
Alexander Volkanovski (undisputed champion) vs Yair Rodríguez (interim champion)
Flyweight Championship
Brandon Moreno (champion) vs Alexandre Pantoja (challenger)
Fans tuned in expecting technical excellence, and both fights delivered.
Division-Changing Results
In addition to the title fights, several bouts served as title eliminators or career-defining moments, including the matchup between Robert Whittaker and Dricus du Plessis, which shaped the future of the middleweight division.
Global MMA Impact
UFC 290 appealed not only to hardcore MMA purists but also to casual fans and international audiences, strengthening the UFC’s worldwide presence.
Legacy and Momentum
The card marked:
A legacy-building performance from a champion
A major shift in the flyweight rankings
High-profile statements from rising contenders
Emotional moments involving veterans
Events that check all these boxes become reference points in UFC history.
Fight Card Overview and Key Results
Below is a snapshot of the most important matchups and results from UFC 290.
Main Event – Featherweight Title Fight
Alexander Volkanovski vs Yair Rodríguez
Winner: Volkanovski via TKO (Round 3, 4:19)
This performance reinforced Volkanovski as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.
Co-Main Event – Flyweight Title Fight
Brandon Moreno vs Alexandre Pantoja
Winner: Pantoja via Split Decision after 5 rounds
A grueling, high-paced battle that shifted the division and gave Pantoja his long-awaited championship moment.
Middleweight Top Contender Match
Robert Whittaker vs Dricus du Plessis
Winner: Du Plessis via TKO (Round 2, 2:23)
A breakout performance that repositioned du Plessis firmly in title contention.
Lightweight Bout
Jalin Turner vs Dan Hooker
Winner: Hooker via Split Decision
A wild, back-and-forth war that immediately became a fan favorite.
Other Highlights
Bo Nickal earned a quick knockout in the first round, showing why he is one of the most hyped prospects in MMA.
Robbie Lawler, a beloved action fighter, scored a spectacular first-round KO in what marked the final fight of his career — a poetic ending for a legend.
Weigh-In and Fight Week Notes
Volkanovski weighed in at 144.5 lbs; Rodríguez at 145 lbs.
Turner weighed 2 pounds over the lightweight limit, resulting in a catchweight bout and a fine.
Fight week featured multiple media day interviews, open workouts, and fan exhibitions due to International Fight Week.
These moments contributed to the emotional buildup and anticipation that fans felt by the main-card walkouts.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Watch and Enjoy a Pay-Per-View Event Like UFC 290
If you’re new to UFC or want a better viewing experience, follow this step-by-step process.
Step 1: Learn the Fight Card Before the Event
Knowing:
Who the fighters are
What is at stake
What their fighting style is
makes the event much more engaging.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Watch Early Prelims, Prelims, or Just the Main Card
Watching from the beginning helps you identify rising prospects before they become champions.
Step 3: Pay Attention to the Commentary Team
Commentators often explain:
Strategy adjustments
Technical details
Scoring implications
Corner advice
This enriches the learning experience.
Step 4: Focus on Momentum Shifts During Fights
Key turning points include:
A big strike
A takedown
A submission attempt
A corner instruction that changes strategy
Watching for shifts will sharpen your understanding of MMA.
Step 5: Stay for Post-Fight Interviews and Analysis
What fighters say afterward reveals:
Injuries
Game plans
Future matchups
Emotional journeys
It completes the story of the night.
Practical Tips for Fans Watching Events Like UFC 290
Adjust viewing times based on your timezone — the event may run past midnight.
If you’re buying PPV for the first time, create your account in advance to avoid last-minute streaming issues.
Watch with friends or MMA fans to make the event more fun.
Keep snacks, drinks, and a comfortable setup because major events run around 4–6 hours.
Focus on each fighter’s strengths and tactical choices, not just knockouts.
Whether you’re a casual fan or an aspiring athlete, the more attention you give to the details, the more enjoyable the night becomes.
Major Trends in the UFC and MMA Landscape (As of 2025)
UFC 290 fits into several long-term trends that are still shaping MMA:
Greater International Representation
Fighters from Australia, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Europe, and the Middle East are emerging as major stars.
Rise of Hybrid Fighting Styles
Modern fighters are not specialists — they blend:
Striking
Wrestling
Jiu-jitsu
Muay Thai
Kickboxing
Volkanovski vs Rodríguez was a perfect example of contrasting yet modern styles.
Athlete Branding and Global Fanbases
Fighters today interact more with global audiences through:
Social media
Podcasts
Behind-the-scenes content
Evolution of Training Science
Recovery, nutrition, and sports psychology have become as important as technique.
Faster Ranking Movement for Prospects
New stars — like Bo Nickal — rise faster due to:
Media hype
Knockout power
Wrestling credentials
Promotional push
These trends help explain the current state of UFC events in 2025 and why UFC 290 continues to be discussed.
Real-Life Lessons from UFC 290 for Fighters, Coaches, and Fans
UFC 290 was filled with moments that teach valuable lessons:
Championship mentality beats physical talent
Volkanovski pressed forward with confidence and focus — not just athleticism.
Game-planning matters
Pantoja won not just with toughness, but with strategy and positional awareness.
Opportunities can redefine careers
Du Plessis seized the biggest moment of his life and made it count.
A proper farewell matters
Robbie Lawler left the sport with dignity and joy — the dream ending many fighters wish for.
Applying Lessons from UFC 290 to Improve as an MMA Athlete
If you train in MMA, boxing, wrestling, BJJ, or kickboxing, UFC 290 offers valuable film-study material:
Study Volkanovski’s distance control and pressure timing
Watch Pantoja’s grappling sequences and scramble efficiency
Analyze Whittaker vs du Plessis for pace management under pressure
Examine Hooker vs Turner for grit, adjustment, and resilience
Observe Robbie Lawler’s aggressive early shot selection — a masterclass in calculated risk
Watching fights as an athlete or coach turns entertainment into education
Fan Checklist for the Next Big Event
Use this checklist when watching a major UFC PPV:
| Before the Event | During the Event | After the Event |
| Research the fighters | Track key moments | Review full results |
| Check start time | Listen to corner advice | Watch highlights |
| Choose which fights interest you | Focus on momentum shifts | Follow post-fight interviews |
| Prepare snacks | Note game-plans | Discuss matchups online |
When you follow this system, every UFC event becomes more enjoyable, even if you’re a newcomer.
Why UFC 290 Remains Relevant in 2025
Even though UFC 290 happened in 2023, its significance remains strong in 2025 because:
Many fighters from that card are still top contenders or champions
Several rivalries and rematches still link back to UFC 290
Volkanovski’s title win remains a benchmark performance
The flyweight division is still influenced by the Pantoja vs Moreno result
Rising stars from the card are now entering their competitive peak
In short, UFC 290 was a long-term shaping force — not a one-night event.
FAQ
What was UFC 290?
UFC 290 was a major pay-per-view event featuring elite fighters, two title fights, and several key matchups that influenced UFC rankings and future championships.
Who won the main event at UFC 290?
Alexander Volkanovski defeated Yair Rodríguez via TKO in Round 3 to remain the undisputed featherweight champion.
Who won the flyweight title at UFC 290?
Alexandre Pantoja won the flyweight championship by defeating Brandon Moreno via split decision in a five-round war.
Was UFC 290 important for rising fighters?
Yes. Several up-and-coming fighters, including Bo Nickal and Dricus du Plessis, boosted their status dramatically due to standout performances.
Why do fans still talk about UFC 290 in 2025?
Because the event shaped multiple weight classes, featured legacy-defining performances, and produced highlight finishes that remain memorable years later.
Final Thoughts
UFC 290 represents everything that makes the Ultimate Fighting Championship the biggest combat-sports organization in the world — passion, drama, elite technique, international star power, unforgettable moments, and high-stakes athletic excellence.
It was a night where champions defended, challengers rose, prospects exploded into relevance, and legends rode off into the sunset. Whether you followed it live or are learning about it now, UFC 290 remains a blueprint for how a perfect fight card should feel — meaningful, emotional, explosive, and historically significant.
If you want to get more out of every UFC event moving forward, approach them the way UFC 290 invites you to: learn about the fighters, watch with focus, analyse the storylines, and celebrate the sport of mixed martial arts — a sport where every punch, takedown, kick, scramble, and finish tells a story.
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