LAS VEGAS – The activities continue for the UFC 290 fight week and the pre-fight press conference is now officially in the books.
On Thursday evening, Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez, Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, who fight in championship bouts in the main and co-main event of the card, along with eight other fighters, took center stage to speak to the fans and media one last time before they meet in the octagon.
UFC 290 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
You can check out the full video of the UFC 290 pre-fight press conference above, as well as highlight quotes from each fighter below.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 290.
Alexander Volkanovski weighs in on Rodriguez's win over Josh Emmett
“He looked great, he really did. As I said, he’s got a lot of threats and he looked great against Josh Emmett, but I’m not Josh Emmett. I’m the champion of this division, and I’m going to show that on Saturday night.”
Yair Rodriguez keeps it classy with Volkanovski
“The guy is good. He’s one of the greatest of all time, and I’m really happy to be facing this guy right here in front of me. It’s a f*cking honor to be honest, bro. I have nothing bad to say about you, and we’re going to get a f*cking banger on Saturday night.”
Brandon Moreno sees danger in Pantoja
“For sure he’s a very dangerous opponent because he’s mature, and he’s got more experience and I think that’s the key, you know. I was saying this yesterday, he was done fighting me. He was like, ‘Oh, I’m sick of fighting Moreno again.’ Pantoja is excited. I want to cut his head and whatever and that makes him dangerous, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
Alexandre Pantoja expects different fight same result
“Of course, it’s going to be a different fight. I’m prepared for the best Brandon Moreno ever. All Mexicans go to my Instagram and say it’s a prime Moreno and that’s the guy I want to meet in the cage, in the octagon, but the result is going to be the same. I’m going to win that, take the belt, and go to Brazil for vacation.”
Robert Whittaker not taking Du Plessis lightly
“A man who’s got nothing to lose, who’s been counted out, who’s the underdog, would have to be one of the most dangerous things you can encounter. I understand the threat and the gravity he’s bringing, and I’m treating it with the respect it deserves.”
Dricus Du Plessis disagrees with Whittaker's comments saying he's got nothing to lose
“Having nothing to lose? That’s actually BS. I have everything to lose. I have the goal to be champion of the world, and Robert Whittaker is the next step in that ladder. It’s a very, very tall order, but I believe that I’ve done everything I can possibly do, and I know I’m ready to overcome this obstacle and get to the next stage and be the No. 1 contender. So, having nothing to lose? I have absolutely everything to lose.”
Jalin Turner values Hooker's experience
“He’s seen it all, and I feel like I’ve seen a lot myself, so we’re just going to go out and have a war.”
Dan Hooker not giving up on title hunt
“It’s back in the mix. Pandemic times weren’t too kind to ‘Hangman,’ so I’m looking to get back into the mix. A win over Jalin Turner puts me back in contention.”
Bo Nickal not feeling pressure ahead of massive UFC 290 event
“I don’t feel any extra pressure. I put a lot of pressure on myself to go out and perform. Of course, there’s people that want to see me fail because I’m so new, and I have a lot of hype, but I think there are more people that want to see me succeed and achieve my goals. So for me, it’s just competing at the best of my ability. I have a great team, great coaches, and I’m very grateful for everyone, grateful for the fans, and we’re going to have an awesome fight on Saturday.”
Val Woodburn on short-notice UFC debut against Bo Nickal
“This is not my first rodeo. I’m going to go in there and fight this guy. I mean, his wrestling doesn’t scare me. I’m well-rounded. I feel like I’m a better fighter. You guys don’t know me, but you will on Saturday.”
Niko Price on being Robbie Lawler's final opponent
“It’s just a blessing. When I saw the email, I’ve been talking about Robbie Lawler and fighting this guy since I was 18 years old, and I got into this sport. I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll take it anywhere. We’ll go anywhere and I’ll fight him. I love it. I’m just blessed, man.”
Robbie Lawler sends farewell message to fans, as he plans to retire at UFC 290
“Just thanks for all the support and the support of MMA. I’ve been doing this for a long time and without the fans’ support I wouldn’t be able to make a living doing this. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and thanks to all the fans.”
