Earlier today, Dana White announced a UFC 290 card on social media that features six current and former champions. The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena on July 8.
The promotion is known for stacking the International Fight Week cards, and this year is no exception. Fans can expect multiple title fights, big matchups with championship implications.
Rising stars who appear destined for greatness, and a legendary fighter who will make his final walk to the octagon.
Dana posted on social media, expressing his happiness to announce such an impressive card for UFC 290 and revealing the bout lineup for the event, which is expected to begin in two months’ time.
Our #UFC290 main event is OFFICIAL!
Dana White just dropped the entire main card for International Fight Week and it's HUGE đ„ pic.twitter.com/aoNWRRiJvb
— UFC (@ufc) May 10, 2023
“International Fight Week is coming back to Vegas on July 8 at the T-Mobile Arena, and I am happy to announce that we have finished the main card. Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez will headline to unify the featherweight belt… The co-main event will feature another incredible matchup. Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja… Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus du Plessis will determine who will fight Israel Adesanya next for the middleweight title… I found Robbie Lawler when he was 19 years old, and UFC 290 will be the final fight of his amazing career,” said the UFC head honcho.
In addition to the impressive fights on the card, Jalin Turner aims to rise up in the lightweight ranks as he faces Dan Hooker in the cage. Meanwhile, Tresean Gore seeks to prove the doubters wrong and give Bo Nickal his inaugural defeat in the sport.
Dana White changes his plans for UFC 290
While the featherweight title unification clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez promises to be an exciting match for fans, Dana originally planned for a high-profile matchup to headline UFC 290.
Jon Jones made a sensational debut in the heavyweight division and called for a fight with Stipe Miocic upon his return to the sport. International Fight Week was initially considered the destination for the bout, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
As a result, Jones‘ first title defense does not yet have an announced opponent. It is uncertain, but the 35-year-old’s upcoming fight may be his final one, which would have made July 8th an even more momentous occasion.
What are your thoughts regarding the recently announced matchups? Let us know in the comment section below.
