UFC 298 Main Fight
The main event of the upcoming UFC is expected to be a thrilling match between the reigning Featherweight Champion, Alexander Volkanovski, and Ilia Topuria. This match was initially scheduled to be the highlight of UFC 297 a month earlier, but it was postponed because Volkanovski was chosen to compete against the UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, at UFC 294.
Now it is scheduled to be held on February 17, 2024 in California.
Before we guess the winner, let’s analyze the individual career of both fighters.
Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski began his career as an amateur middleweight fighter, achieving a 4-0 record before turning professional. He fought in various MMA organizations in the Oceania region from 2012 to 2016, earning a PXC title and two AFC Featherweight titles, and amassing a record of 13-1 with 10 consecutive wins before joining the UFC.
In the UFC, Volkanovski made his debut in November 2016, winning his first fight via second-round TKO. He then moved down to the Featherweight division, where he faced several opponents, winning most of his fights via unanimous decision or technical knockout. Notable victories include those against Mizuto Hirota, Darren Elkins, Chad Mendes, and former featherweight champion José Aldo.
Volkanovski won the UFC Featherweight Championship in December 2019 against Max Holloway and successfully defended his title in a rematch in July 2020, although the decision was controversial. His second title defense was scheduled against Brian Ortega in March 2021 but was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols. Volkanovski and Ortega later served as coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 29. The fight eventually took place in September 2021, with Volkanovski winning via unanimous decision and earning praise for his performance. This fight also earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Volkanovski was scheduled to fight Max Holloway for the third time in March 2022, but Holloway had to withdraw due to an injury. Chan Sung Jung, also known as “The Korean Zombie”, replaced Holloway, and Volkanovski won the fight in April 2022.
The trilogy bout with Holloway was rescheduled for July 2022, which Volkanovski won via unanimous decision. He then moved up a weight class to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship in February 2023, but lost the fight.
Volkanovski returned to the Featherweight division and won a title unification bout against interim champion Yair Rodríguez in July 2023. He was then scheduled to defend his Featherweight Championship against Ilia Topuria in January 2024, but stepped in on short notice to rematch Makhachev in October 2023, losing the fight. The bout with Topuria was rescheduled for February 2024.
In addition to his MMA career, Volkanovski has a single professional boxing bout to his name, which he won. He is married and has appeared as a coach on an amateur MMA reality show. He is of Macedonian and Greek heritage, which inspired his nickname “The Great”. He also runs his own YouTube channel.
Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria, a professional fighter, began his career with consecutive submission victories in Spain and later won a title in the Mix Fight Events promotion. He made his international debut in 2018 in Cage MMA Finland and became the first Georgian black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu the same year. However, he missed out on the Cage Warriors Bantamweight Championship due to not meeting the weight requirement.
In 2019, he joined the Brave Combat Federation and made a successful debut in Bogota, Colombia. He continued his winning streak in Bahrain, earning him recognition in the federation.
Topuria then moved to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he won several fights, including against Damon Jackson and Ryan Hall. However, a scheduled fight against Movsar Evloev was cancelled due to Topuria’s health issues related to weight cutting.
Despite a knockdown in a fight against Jai Herbert in 2022, Topuria recovered and won, earning him the Performance of the Night award. He was scheduled to fight Edson Barboza later that year, but the fight was cancelled due to Barboza’s injury.
Topuria ended 2022 with a win against Bryce Mitchell, earning him another Performance of the Night award. In 2023, he was initially scheduled to fight Josh Emmett, but the fight was rescheduled and he won it, earning the Fight of the Night award.
Topuria was scheduled to fight for the UFC Featherweight Championship against Alexander Volkanovski in early 2024, but the fight was postponed due to a change in Volkanovski’s schedule. The fight is now set to headline UFC 298 in February 2024.
The Outcome
Predicting the outcome of a fight can be challenging as it depends on various factors such as fighters’ skills, tactics, physical condition, and mental preparation. Both Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria are talented fighters with their strengths and weaknesses.
Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC Featherweight Champion, has showcased exceptional striking, wrestling, and conditioning in his fights. He possesses excellent footwork, power in his strikes, and strong defensive skills. Volkanovski’s experience as a champion and his ability to adapt during fights make him a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Ilia Topuria is an up-and-coming fighter with an impressive record and a diverse skill set. He has shown proficiency in grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and striking. Topuria’s aggressive fighting style, combined with his youth and athleticism, makes him a dangerous challenger.
Ultimately, the outcome of the fight will depend on how both fighters execute their game plans on fight night. Factors such as cage control, striking accuracy, takedown defense, and cardio will play crucial roles in determining the winner.
It’s essential to watch their previous fights, analyze their techniques, and consider their recent performances to make an informed prediction. However, in combat sports, anything can happen, and upsets are always possible.
To follow the fight results, you can check:
https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-298
Read More From Us:
Jake Paul Net Worth, Age, Girlfriend, Famous Fights & 3 Controversies
About Author
Joseph Matt is a versatile writer whose passion for storytelling spans across multiple domains, from the fast-paced world of automobiles to the thrilling arena of sports, the captivating realm of entertainment, and the dynamic landscape of business.
With a keen interest in automobiles, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writings on everything from car reviews and industry trends to automotive technology and driving tips. His articles offer readers valuable insights into the latest models, innovations, and developments in the automotive industry, helping them make informed decisions about their vehicle choices.
In the realm of sports, Joseph’s love for competition and athleticism shines through in his engaging narratives about sporting events, athletes, and the intricacies of various games. From in-depth analyses of match strategies to compelling profiles of sports personalities, his writings capture the excitement and drama of the sporting world, drawing readers into the action-packed thrill of the game.
