Australian UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski says he's covered all bases ahead of his title defence against Yair Rodriguez.
The Wollongong native is adamant his hand will be raised at the end of the scheduled five-round bout come Saturday (Sunday AEST) against the Mexican.
Volkanovski is set for his fifth featherweight title defence at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where his fight with Rodriguez headlines UFC290.
The 34-year-old moved up a division early in 2023 and fought Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, losing on decision and allowing Rodriguez to ascend to interim champion with a victory over Josh Emmett at UFC284.
Rodriguez is a kickboxer with a blackbelt in taekwondo, which is why Volkanovski enlisted the services of 11-time taekwondo world champion Carl van Roon in his fight preparations.
"I've had great looks in the gym and very lucky to have guys help me out like that," Volkanovski told AAP.
Volkanovski is confident in his preparation and own style of fighting, indicating he could catch Rodriguez anywhere in the octagon whether it's in standup or ground work.
But he admits devising a plan for his opponent pales in comparison to Makhachev, with Rodriguez more unpredictable in style.
"Islam's very patient and will wait on the feet with just pure pressure and control," he said.
"Yair will spin, he'll do everything unpredictably and come forward on the back foot.
"You wouldn't call him patient, he definitely just goes for it which is why he's so dangerous.
"Whether I go out there and make it look easy, that's another thing. But he's dangerous."
Rodriguez took the UFC media podium on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) with a custom hand-made interim-belt decorated with the Mexican flag.
He heaped praise on Volkanovski but said his own style of fighting isn't something the Australian is ready for.
"He probably thinks it's gonna be easier, I don't know. My style is completely different to what many people think," Rodriguez said.
"Being in front of me in the cage is difficult, it's hard for anybody.
"Of course, there is many styles that can neutralise or control the style that I have, but I have been working on my weaknesses to make them a strength."
Volkanovski retorted to the custom belt and Rodriguez when he took to the podium not long after.
"The world knows I'm the champ, it doesn't phase me one bit," he said.
"It's no disrespect to Yair Rodriguez but make the most of it. Enjoy it while it lasts because I plan on winning this weekend.
"I do beat a lot of people at their own game. Taekwondo Volk, he's coming for f****** everyone."
