Why Is Alexander Volkanovski Wearing a Band-Aid? Is the UFC Featherweight Star Injured Ahead of UFC 290?

In an electrifying showdown at UFC 290, Alexander Volkanovski will go head-to-head with Yair Rodriguez in a battle that has captured the attention of fight fans worldwide. But it’s not just the anticipation of this featherweight clash that’s making headlines. Leading up to the fight, all eyes are on Volkanovski, the reigning champion, as he sports a conspicuous band-aid, creating a buzz of intrigue and speculation. The stage is set for an epic encounter between these two warriors, and the mystery surrounding Volkanovski’s band-aid only adds to the excitement surrounding this highly-anticipated matchup.

What’s on featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski’s face ahead of UFC 290?

With UFC 290 being just around the corner as Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title bout against Yair Rodriguez, ‘The Great’ addressed the press, donning a captivating facial accessory that instantly drew everyone’s gaze. A white band-aid, prominently displaying an image of a championship belt, embellished his face.

Why is Alexander Volkanovski wearing a band-aid?

During the press conference for UFC 290, a keen-eyed reporter quickly noticed a band-aid on Alexander Volkanovski’s face and wasted no time in asking the featherweight champion about it.

With all eyes on him, Volkanovski confidently addressed the question, stating, “It was a little scratch, and you know, we don’t want to get infected so close to the fight.”

Alexander Volkanovski Band-Aid Inspired By Nelly

While discussing the intriguing band-aid on his cheek, Alexander Volkanovski drew a comparison to the rapper Nelly, who had famously sported a similar accessory in the past. Volkanovski delved into the significance of Nelly’s decision, shedding light on the curiosity it had sparked among viewers.

Nelly’s choice to wear a band-aid on his cheek had initially originated from a basketball injury. However, even after the injury had healed, he continued to proudly wear the band-aid as a tribute to his incarcerated music collaborator and dear friend, City Spud. In Nelly’s eyes, the band-aid symbolized unwavering support for Spud, as he believed in his friend’s innocence.

This symbolic gesture resonated deeply with Nelly, as the band-aid came to represent more than just a physical healing aid. It became a powerful symbol of emotional scars and carried a profound significance.

‘Sad’ Yair Rodriguez reacts to Alex Volkanovski injury ahead of UFC 290

In the lead-up to their highly anticipated clash at UFC 290, tensions were running high between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. Volkanovski, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, had suffered a cut beneath his right eye during a grappling session just days before the fight. However, rather than being concerned, Volkanovski embraced the situation, flaunting a customized bandaid with the UFC championship belt on it during media commitments. Rodriguez, the interim featherweight champ, acknowledged the cut but believed it wouldn’t pose a significant problem for Volkanovski.

Speaking with Fox Sports, ‘El Pantera’ said, “Ah f**k, man. That makes me sad,” The Mexican fighter further added, “It makes me sad because when I get this win I don’t want people saying he was cut or whatever. I want him to be 100 percent. But I don’t think it will be much of a problem for him. It could play to my advantage, of course, but there are a lot of things we go through leading into a fight and he’s going to be ready. So I’m not going to be looking for that specific spot to hit on his face.”

Alexander Volkanovski next fight, UFC 290

In the highly anticipated showdown at UFC 290, Alexander Volkanovski is set to face off against Yair Rodriguez. The reigning UFC featherweight champion is coming off a significant setback, having suffered his first loss in the UFC against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in the lightweight division. This loss also snapped his undefeated streak in the promotion.

Volkanovski’s fighting style is characterized by his incredible tenacity and resilience, earning him the moniker of ‘The Great’. With a record of 25 wins and only two losses, he has proven himself as a formidable force in the featherweight division. However, his recent defeat has put additional pressure on him to prove that he still possesses the skills and determination to dominate.

On the other side of the octagon, Yair Rodriguez enters the fight with a renewed sense of confidence. Currently riding a two-fight winning streak, the Mexican fighter is eager to secure a hat-trick of victories and etch his name among the featherweight elites. ‘El Pantera’ is known for his flashy and unpredictable fighting style, often catching opponents off guard with his unorthodox strikes and dynamic movement.

For Volkanovski, this fight is not only crucial for defending his featherweight title but also for reclaiming his status as an unstoppable force in the division. He will be determined to prove that his loss to Makhachev was merely a temporary setback and that he still possesses the skills and resilience that made him a champion.

Read more: Alexander Volkanovski Doubles Down on “Dangerous” Yair Rodriguez Stance While Making a Bold Claim for His UFC 290 Opponent

Both fighters are well aware of the stakes involved in this high-profile bout. Volkanovski, eager to bounce back from his loss, will look to assert his dominance and retain his title. Rodriguez, on the other hand, will be aiming to capitalize on Volkanovski’s recent vulnerability and secure the championship for himself.

UFC 290, one of the most highly anticipated events in mixed martial arts, is scheduled to take place on July 8, 2023, at the renowned T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. This state-of-the-art facility is situated in the vibrant Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, a hub for sports and entertainment. Tune in!

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