UFC 290: Volkanovski vs Rodriguez will headline this weekend’s event. The two will compete for the undisputed featherweight title and will close out an exciting 14-fight card. So ahead of the event, we preview the UFC 290 early prelims and give our predictions for those fights. Follow UFC 290: Alexander Volkanovski vs Yair Rodriguez LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.

Volkanovski and Rodriguez will compete at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 8. The event will also feature some big names including Brandon Moreno, Alexandre Pantoja, Robert Whittaker, Dan Hooker, and more. However, the early prelims also have some interesting fights.

UFC 290 Volkanovski vs Rodriguez: Full Early Prelims Preview Prediction, and Odds

UFC 290: Volkanovski vs Rodriguez early prelims preview and prediction

Kamuela Kirk vs Esteban Ribovics

The card kicks off with a lightweight contest between American Kamuela Kirk and Argentinian Esteban Ribovics. Both fighters are the same height. However, Kirk has a sizable advantage in terms of reach. When we compare the numbers, Ribovics is a much better striker while Kirk is a slightly better grappler.

Our prediction: Esteban Ribovics beats Kamuela Kirk by TKO.

Shannon Ross vs Jesus Aguilar

A flyweight bout follows the Kirk vs Ribovics contest. Shannon Ross and Jesus Aguilar will go head-to-head. They both match up fairly evenly in terms of their physical attributes. However, when you look at their stats, there’s a vast difference between the two. Ross is predominantly a striker and has much better numbers, Aguilar has better grappling numbers.

Our prediction: Jesus Aguilar beats Shannon Ross by a decision.

Cameron Saaiman vs Terence Mitchell

Undefeated South African Cameron Saaiman will feature on the UFC 290 early prelims. He will face American Terence Mitchell. There is not much to separate the two in terms of their physical attributes. And since it’s Mitchell’s debut, we cannot compare their numbers.

Our prediction: Cameron Saaiman beats Terence Mitchell by TKO.

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Vitor Petrino vs Marcin Prachnio

Light heavyweights Vitor Petrino and Marcin Prachnio will also compete on the UFC 290 early prelims. Both enter the octagon on the back of wins. Petrino will look to preserve his unbeaten record while Prachnio will look to build on his last fight. They have almost identical physical attributes. However, Their numbers show that Petrino is much better at grappling and Parchnio is a better striker.

Our prediction: Vitor Petrino beats Marcin Prachnio by submission.

Tatsuro Taira vs Edgar Chairez

A catchweight bout will close out the UFC 290 early prelims and will feature Tatsuro Taira vs UFC debutant Edgar Chairez. Undefeated Taira will want to continue his run while Chairez will be desperate to make his mark. The two have almost identical physical attributes. And although Chairez has slightly better striking numbers, Taira has better grappling numbers and is a much more all-rounded fighter.

Our prediction: Tatsuro Taira beats Edgar Chairez by knockout.