Alexander Volkanovski stakes claim as pound-for-pound king at UFC 290 after Yair Rodriguez victory

Alex Volkanovski has secured a fifth defence of his featherweight title, unifying the 145-pound crown with a dominant third-round TKO victory over interim titleholder Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290.

The stoppage came at 4 minutes, 19 seconds with the Aussie hammering unanswered strikes on the ground as Rodriguez covered up.

Volkanovski is widely considered to be one of the best fighters in the sport and is ranked at No 2 in the UFC pound-for-pound ratings – but that might change after his most recent performance.

The Wollongong native came into the contest coming off his first loss in more than 20 professional fights, when he moved up to lightweight to take on champ Islam Makhachev, losing a razor-thin decision.

Despite dropping back down in weight, Volkanovski looked as powerful as ever and used his wrestling to score three takedowns in the opening round while racking up damage with ground and pound.

Volkanovski is ranked at No 2 in the UFC pound-for-pound ratings – but that might change after his most recent performance

It was much of the same in the second round, with the Aussie superstar continuing to control the action on the ground and tire his opponent out.

After a close start to the third, Volkanovski stunned Rodriguez with a well-timed right hook and closed the show with a barrage of strikes to his grounded opponent.

Currently Jon Jones sits at No.1 in the pound-for-pound rankings, but many think Volkanovski is the best.

‘What else can you say about the pound-for-pound king?!’ commentator Jon Anik after the victory.

UFC legend Daniel Cormier added: ‘He is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, hands down.’

‘He’s an animal. He’s just so good.’

Joe Rogan chimed in: ‘He’s the best. There’s no denying it.

‘What he proved tonight is he can take the most unpredictable, wildest challenger in the featherweight division right now.’

Many MMA fans and pundits on Twitter also took a moment to echo these remarks.

‘Volk is the best 145er in the world and the best p4p fighter in the world. So smart out there,’ wrote MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.

MMA broadcaster Adam Catterall wrote: ‘Pound for pound number one. Alexander Volkanovski is at the peak of his powers and with Charles Oliveira saying he isn’t going to Abu Dhabi to face Makhachev in October then the only man for that job is the featherweight king. Run it back.’

MMA reporter Simon Head added: ‘Alexander Volkanovski – best in the world, pound-for-pound. Another imperious performance from the Australian to finish interim champ Yair Rodriguez and unify the featherweight titles.’

Many MMA experts think that Volkanovski has proved he’s the best MMA fighter on the planet

When interviewed after the bout, Volkanovski said he will get surgery on his arm before deciding what to do next.

‘In camp there was a bit of fear there, this week I flipped the switch, I’m the champ and king of this division and nobody is ever stopping me,’ he said.

‘I knew he’d switch stance and the right hook would be good, I know I could go anywhere. I showed I can wrestle and strike with the rest of them.

‘Sky is the limit. There’s a few options, I need surgery on my arm, camp was a struggle, I’ll get that as soon as I’m home and fight once more this year, I’ll squash Topuria and I still want that lightweight belt.’