As the world of MMA turns its eyes towards UFC 298, one match stands out above all others. Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning champion, is set to defend his title for the sixth time against the undefeated Ilia Topuria. This eagerly anticipated showdown will take place on February 17, promising a thrilling spectacle for fight fans worldwide.
A Champion's Track Record
Volkanovski's impressive run has been marked by a series of successful defenses. His most recent triumph came in the form of a third-round TKO victory over Yair Rodriguez. However, the path to UFC 298 hasn't been without its bumps. The fight against Topuria was initially scheduled for January but had to be delayed due to concussion protocols following Volkanovski's knockout loss to Islam Makhachev. This loss, which occurred after Volkanovski stepped up on short notice to face Makhachev at UFC 294, marked the first time the champion has been stopped since his fourth pro fight back in 2013.
The Challenger's Undefeated Streak
On the other side of the Octagon, Ilia Topuria enters the fray with an unblemished record in the UFC. He's won all six of his UFC appearances, with four of those victories ending inside the distance. Notably, Topuria secured a dominant win against Josh Emmett at UFC on ABC 5 last June, further solidifying his standing as the No. 5 contender in the UFC featherweight rankings.
Predictions and Expectations
Both fighters are predicting a first-round finish for the upcoming UFC 298 headliner, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already highly-anticipated bout. Volkanovski, in particular, has shown great respect for his opponent's abilities. "He's a powerful dude, he's good everywhere. He's not one-dimensional, he's obviously very well-rounded," the champion said about Topuria. However, Volkanovski remains confident in his own skills, stating, "I just believe my skills and my understanding of the game is just gonna be that little bit too much for him."
Recovery and Preparation
Regarding the delay due to concussion protocols, Volkanovski has been candid about the decision. "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 explained. The champion added, "I think the timing will be perfect. I'll be back in there soon, but not too soon."
Looking Back at the Makhachev Fight
Diego Lopes, commenting on Volkanovski's knockout loss to Makhachev, commended the champion for taking the fight on such short notice. "He wasn't prepared for this fight. But yeah, it was surprising to see how Makhachev finished him. I think we all expected Makhachev to wrestle him all the fight," Lopes remarked.
As UFC 298 draws near, the city and venue for the showdown are yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the location, this bout promises to be a high-stakes clash between a seasoned champion and an undefeated contender, both eager to prove their dominance in the Octagon.