The MMA world is abuzz with anticipation for UFC 298, where featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski returns to defend his title in the 145-pound division. This fight, taking place on February 17, 2024, in Anaheim, California, is about defending the title and marks a significant chapter in MMA history.
Volkanovski, coming off a challenging stint against the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Islam Makhachev, where he took on the fight on short notice in October, is set to make his sixth title defense. His opponent, Ilia Topuria, comes into this bout with an unblemished record in the UFC, winning all six of his fights and securing three consecutive performance bonuses.
This will be Topuria’s first attempt at capturing UFC gold. The stakes are high for Volkanovski, who has faced setbacks in two of his last three bouts against Makhachev in his pursuit to become a two-division champion.
Fighter Profiles
Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski, hailing from Australia, has established a remarkable career with a record of 26-3-0. Known for his impressive striking skills, Volkanovski boasts a significant strike differential of +3.03 per minute, the highest in featherweight history.
His ability to maintain a high pace even in later rounds, landing an average of 7.52 significant strikes per minute in the fifth round, highlights his exceptional stamina and durability. His efficiency in striking is evident with a 57.1% connection rate, placing him third in the division’s history for efficiency.
Ilia Topuria
On the other side, Ilia Topuria, the rising star from Germany, enters this fight with an undefeated record of 14-0-0. Topuria began his career with a strong focus on submissions but has evolved to become a formidable striker.
His recent performance against Josh Emmett showcased his striking prowess, where he out-struck Emmett 171-89, reflecting his growing comfort and skill in stand-up fighting. Topuria’s defensive capabilities are also notable, evading 67.4% of significant strikes, the best among active featherweights.
Tale of the Tape
The 35-year-old Volkanovski and 27-year-old Topuria bring contrasting physical attributes and fighting styles to the Octagon. Volkanovski, with a reach of 71 inches, adopts an orthodox stance, while Topuria, slightly taller at 5’7″ with a 69-inch reach, also fights orthodox.
Volkanovski’s experience and striking accuracy, landing 6.19 significant strikes per minute, contrast with Topuria’s approach, which focuses more on power and less on volume, with 4.44 significant strikes per minute and a higher knockdown rate.
Fight Analysis
Striking and Stand-Up Game
The striking abilities of both fighters will be a crucial aspect of the fight. Volkanovski’s volume and accuracy in striking may dominate, but Topuria’s power and knockdown capability pose a significant threat. The dynamic creates an intriguing stand-up battle, where strategy and adaptability will be key.
Ground Game and Grappling
Topuria’s background in submissions and his success on the ground, with a takedown success rate of 56.3%, will be vital in grappling. However, Volkanovski’s resilience, especially evident in his fight against Makhachev, where he defended against multiple takedown attempts, suggests a challenging scenario for Topuria if he opts for a ground-based approach.
Betting Odds and Trends for Volkanovski vs Topuria
As the fever pitch for UFC 298 rises, bettors closely examine the odds for the electrifying title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. The current odds provided by the best betting apps paint an intriguing picture of this high-profile featherweight showdown.
Volkanovski, the seasoned champion, is listed as the favorite with odds of -175. This position signifies an implied probability of approximately 63.64% for his victory. In terms of betting, placing a $100 bet on Volkanovski would yield a payout of $157.14 if he emerges victorious.
Conversely, Ilia Topuria, the rising star and challenger, is deemed the underdog with odds of +130. This underdog status offers him a 43.48% implied chance of winning. A successful $100 bet on Topuria would result in a return of $250.
These odds reflect the intriguing dynamics of the fight. Volkanovski, known for his powerful striking and defensive wrestling, faces a formidable opponent in Topuria, who has demonstrated remarkable speed and striking force in his previous fights. The Australian champion’s experience and strategic prowess in the Octagon contribute to his favorable odds. However, the potential for an upset by Topuria, given his track record and knockout capability, adds excitement to the betting landscape.
As the fight draws closer, these odds may fluctuate based on various factors, including fighter training updates, public betting trends, and expert analysis. Bettors looking to capitalize on this matchup must weigh these elements carefully to make informed decisions.
Final Words
UFC 298 is more than a title fight; it celebrates the sport’s dynamism and the athletes who push its boundaries. Whether you’re rooting for Volkanovski’s continued dominance or Topuria’s rise to the top, February 17 promises to be a night of unforgettable MMA action.
As the fighters prepare to step into the Octagon, one thing is certain: the world of MMA will be watching, eager to witness the next chapter in featherweight history unfold.