Yair Rodríguez is looking to upset the balance at UFC 290.

If Rodríguez defeats Alexander Volkanovski later tonight, he will disrupt more than the featherweight division, but also the entire upper echelon of the UFC.

“This is an opportunity for me to reach the next level of competition,” says Rodríguez, who enters the interim champ. “Alexander Volkanovski is just an amazing opponent. Even though I’ve had several opportunities to show my ability, this will be different. Alexander Volkanovski will push me to the edge.”

The bout between Volkanovski and Rodríguez headlines 290, the most complete card so far this year. There is certainly potential for the main event to be a one-sided affair–Volkanovski has been on an utter tear of the division for the past six years.

Volkanovski obliterated formal rival Max Holloway last summer. That is particularly troublesome for Rodríguez, who lost to Holloway in November of 2021. Altogether, Volkanovski has defeated Holloway three times, crippling him–and, for that matter, practically every other opponent–with his deadly speed.

“He’s impressive,” says Rodríguez. “His quickness, his explosiveness, his strength. I just don’t think he’ll be able to find me.”

From bottom to top, the 290 card is incredible. Rising star Cameron Saaiman fights on the early prelims, and the prelims offers matchups–including Jimmy Crute-Alonzo Menifield, Jack Della Maddalena-Josiah Harrell, Robbie Lawler-Nike Prico–that are better than some Fight Night cards.

The main card also contains plenty of firepower, particularly in the co-main with Brandon Moreno defending the flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja. Bo Nickal-Val Woodburn, Jalin Turner-Dan Hooker, and Robert Whittaker-Driscus du Plessis complete the lineup, along with the Volkanovski-Rodríguez centerpiece.

“It’s a career-changing moment,” says Rodríguez. “There are times when somebody younger and hungrier comes to your jungle. My moment is now.”

Rodríguez enters the bout an underdog, which doesn’t bother him in the least. Volkanovski has yet to be beaten in the UFC’s featherweight division, but Rodríguez plans on changing that.

“I always find a way,” says Rodríguez. “I know when to use my weapons to take advantage of situations in a fight. Volkanovski hasn’t fought someone like me who can attack from different angles.

“He is one of the greatest of all-time, but this is going to be different for him. I just need to be smart about what’s in front of me, and I need to take advantage of it and get that W.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.