We’re back in Anaheim for an incredible UFC 298 event headlined by Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria.
The featherweight champion will take to the cage to defend his belt just four months after a devastating head-kick knockout against Islam Makhachev. Standing across from him: undefeated prospect Ilia Topuria.
We’ve previewed the UFC 298 main card, giving our predictions and picks based on the latest UFC odds.
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Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria Preview
The champ will enter the ring coming off the back of two defeats in his last three, both against Makhachev. It’s unchartered territory for The Great.
Sandwiched in between those defeats was a demolition job of hotly-rated Yair Rodriguez. However, how many times have we seen fighters failing to bounce back after suffering brutal knockouts?
Eight years his senior, El Matador is yet to taste defeat inside the octagon. His 14-0 professional MMA record includes an impressive submission win against rising star Bryce Mitchell, as well as a decision victory over UFC veteran and heavy-hitter Josh Emmet.
UFC 298 will be just the second five-round fight of Spaniard Topuria’s career. In contrast, every fight Volk has taken part in since December 2019 has been scheduled for five rounds.
In that time, the Aussie has lapped the lightweight competition. Three times he has beaten Max Holloway, also dispatching the likes of Brian Ortega, the Korean Zombie, and Yair Rodriguez.
What the Stats Say
Volkanovski is 26-3 with 16 finishes, 13 by KO/TKO and three via submission. Two of his three losses have also been via knockout. He has never been submitted despite facing some top grapplers.
Many will remember his fight with Brian Ortega in 2021. Ortega – one of the best submission artists in the sport – had a guillotine locked in. Through sheer heart, Volk refused to tap and we haven’t seen him in that position since.
Topuria is 14-0 with four wins via KO/TKO and eight victories via submission. Only two of his fights have gone the distance.
62% of Volkanovski’s fights have ended in finishes, compared to 85% of Topuria’s.
UFC 298: Main Card Predictions & Picks
Alexander Volkanovski to beat Ilia Topuria @ 1.75
Robert Whittaker to beat Paulo Costa @ 1.43
Ian Garry to beat Geoff Neal @ 1.45
Merab Dvalishvili to beat Henry Cejudo @ 1.48
Check out the latest UFC 298 odds here.
Full UFC 298 Card
Main Card:
Alexander Volkanovski (26-3) vs Ilia Topuria (14-0)
Robert Whittaker (25-7) vs Paulo Costa (14-2)
Geoff Neal (15-5) vs Ian Garry (13-0)
Merab Dvalishvili (16-4) vs Henry Cejudo (16-3)
Anthony Hernandez (11-2) vs Roman Kopylov (12-2)
Prelims:
Amanda Lemos (13-3-1) vs Mackenzie Dern (13-4)
Marcos Rogerio de Lima (21-10-1) vs Justin Tafa (7-3)
Rinya Nakamura (8-0) vs Carlos Vera (11-3)
Zhang Mingyang (16-6) vs Brendson Ribeiro (15-5)
Early Prelims:
Josh Quinlan (6-1) vs Danny Barlow (7-0)
Oban Elliot (9-2) vs Val Woodburn (7-1)
Andrea Lee (13-8) vs Miranda Maverick (14-5)
When and Where to Watch UFC 298 in the UK
The UFC prelims get underway at around 1:00am UK time on Sunday 18th February. The main card is likely to begin at around 3:00am, with the main event scheduled for 5:00am.
The card will be live on TNT Sports Box Office for UK viewers.
*Odds subject to change.
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