As anticipation builds for the upcoming UFC 298, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling headliner. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his title against the formidable Ilia Topuria. This bout will mark Volkanovski's sixth title defense, and both fighters are predicting an explosive first-round finish.
A Champion Prepares
Volkanovski is coming off a successful title defense with a third-round TKO victory over Yair Rodriguez. However, he faces a different challenge in Topuria, who has remained undefeated in all six of his UFC appearances, four of which ended inside the distance. The champ acknowledges Topuria's skills, stating, "He's a powerful dude, he's good everywhere. He's not one-dimensional, he's obviously very well-rounded."
Despite the respect he holds for his opponent, Volkanovski remains confident about the outcome of the fight. "I just believe my skills and my understanding of the game is just gonna be that little bit too much for him," he said.
Topuria's Rise
Ilia Topuria, currently holding the No. 5 position in the UFC featherweight rankings, has been steadily climbing the ladder. His most recent victory was a dominant performance against Josh Emmett at UFC on ABC 5 last June. The upcoming match against Volkanovski offers Topuria the chance to prove himself against a seasoned champion.
The Road to UFC 298
The road to UFC 298 has not been without its bumps. The fight between Volkanovski and Topuria was initially slated for January but had to be postponed due to concussion protocols following Volkanovski's knockout loss to Islam Makhachev. That fight saw Volkanovski step up on short notice to face Makhachev at UFC 294 after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to injury. It marked the first time Volkanovski had been stopped since his fourth pro fight in 2013.
Reflecting on the delay, Volkanovski said, "Yeah, obviously, it was scheduled for January... We want to follow all protocols and do everything right, obviously, after the last one and I'm lucky enough to have a great team around me, who've dealt with a lot of concussions in football and what-not. So I’ve got the right team around me, and we just thought that January was a little bit too soon.” He added, "I think the timing will be perfect. I'll be back in there soon, but not too soon."
Anticipation Builds
As the date for UFC 298 approaches, anticipation continues to build. The city and venue for the showdown are yet to be confirmed, adding another layer of intrigue to this already eagerly awaited match. Diego Lopes, commenting on Volkanovski's loss to Makhachev, expressed respect for the champion's decision to take the fight on ten days' notice, while also noting the surprising nature of the finish.
With both fighters predicting a first-round finish, UFC 298 promises to be an electrifying event. Whether it will be Volkanovski's experience or Topuria's raw power that prevails remains to be seen. One thing is certain: fans can expect a night of high-octane action and unforgettable moments.