UFC 298 storms into Anaheim’s Honda Centre in California this Saturday! Brace for a PPV spectacle featuring Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria. The unyielding featherweight champ, defending against the undefeated force, Ilia Topuria. Volk has held the title for over four years, but Topuria’s undefeated record makes him a serious contender.
The co-main event features former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and fan-favourite Paulo Costa. The winner’s sure to be back in the title race. Before that, welterweight Ian Machado Garry faces his toughest challenge yet against No. 8 contender Geoff Neal.
We’ve also got a high-stakes bantamweight bout between former two-division champ Henry Cejudo and No. 2 contender Merab Dvalishvili. Plus, don’t miss the clash between middleweight finishers Anthony Hernandez and Roman Kopylov. It’s going to be a night to remember!
Time to dissect the main event and other top fights! What are the possible outcomes? What factors could lead to each scenario? We’re breaking it all down, keep scrolling!
Volkanovski vs Topuria | Featherweight Title Bout | Main Event UFC 298
Both fighters are orthodox and have similar heights and reaches. Volkanovski stands at 5’6″ with a 71″ reach, while Topuria is 5’8″ with a 69″ reach. Both fighters are undefeated in the UFC, with Volkanovski having a record of 26-3-0 and Topuria having a record of 14-0-0.
Volkanovski’s fights tend to last longer, with an average duration of 18 minutes and 9 seconds, showcasing his superb cardio. In contrast, Topuria’s fights are quick and decisive, lasting an average of just 6 minutes and 36 seconds.
Striking
Volkanovski showcases a solid 3.03 striking differential, demonstrating his ability to outland his opponents effectively. He holds the record for the most leg kicks in a featherweight fight (75 against Max Holloway). He uses excellent feints and footwork to create angles and openings for his attacks, and he can switch stances fluidly.
He has a good sense of distance and timing, and he can counter his opponents with hard hooks and leg kicks. He also has a solid defence, with a 58% significant strike defence and a 70% takedown defence rate.
On the other side, Topuria, while still maintaining a massive 67.4% significant strike defence, tends to be a bit more powerful. He has a superb boxing technique, with jabs, bodywork, and shoulder rolls. He can also use his striking to set up his takedowns, where he excels at transitioning and securing dominant positions.
Submission
Topuria leads in submission stats with 8 submissions in 14 wins, an impressive 57% submission rate, and a perfect 92% takedown defence rate. He is especially dangerous from the front-headlock position, where he can apply various chokes or transition to the back.
Volkanovski, on the other hand, averages 37% takedown accuracy and a remarkable 70% takedown defence. He is also a former rugby player who has a strong wrestling base and can control his opponents on the ground.
He showed his resilience and heart by surviving a knockdown and a guillotine choke attempt from Brian Ortega in the third round of their fight, which he won by unanimous decision.
Volkanovski vs Topuria Prediction
While Volkanovski’s recent losses against Islam Makhachev in UFC 284 and UFC 294 and rapid return raise questions, Topuria’s speed and striking prowess pose a real threat. If Topuria capitalises on his fast starts, he could exploit the champion’s vulnerabilities.
However, Volkanovski’s superior kicking, educated lead hand, and potential wrestling advantage could counter these threats. Ultimately, we predict Volkanovski will weather the early storm and adjust strategically, clinching a competitive yet decisive victory on the scorecards.
Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa | Middleweight Bout | Co-main Event UFC 298
Fans finally witness the clash they’ve craved! Whittaker and Costa collide after a near year-long wait due to contract disputes. Both fighters see this bout as a stepping stone back to title contention.
Despite similar physicality, Whittaker brings double the fight experience (31 fights vs. 16) and a more active recent record. Costa’s 2-year layoff raises questions about potential ring rust.
Costa, the “Borrachinha”, seeks a quick finish with his explosive striking. Whittaker, the veteran “Reaper”, counters with high fight IQ, elusive footwork, and sharp kicks.
Expect feints, shifty footwork, and leg kicks from Whittaker’s wide karate stance. His jab, slip right cross, and gazelle hook are his go-to punches. He also chains powerful high kicks with his movement.
Both fighters primarily rely on striking, but have grappling skills in reserve. Whittaker boasts exceptional wrestling defence, often shutting down takedowns with his footwork.
Whittaker vs Costa Prediction
In this high-level clash, Whittaker’s elusive style gives him an edge over 15 minutes. Costa’s Jiu-Jitsu might surprise, but Whittaker’s defence against explosive attacks is battle-tested. Moreover, Costa’s ring rust after a two-year break remains a question mark against a seasoned top-10 contender. So, we see it going Whittaker’s way via decision.
Henry Cejudo vs Merab Dvalishvili | Bantamweight Bout
Henry Cejudo seeks redemption against wrestling ace Merab Dvalishvili after title shot loss against Aljamin Sterling in UFC 288. New coach adds intrigue. Cejudo’s Olympic wrestling base remains strong, but he’s added karate stance, feints, and explosive combos.
Karate stance aids Cejudo’s movement and guard, forcing opponents to break through before attacking. Feints set up blitzing combinations and counters. Cejudo shines at boxing range, landing combinations and countering with powerful right straights. Smaller size demands careful distance management.
Cejudo’s counter takedowns rely on his explosiveness when meeting opponents head-on. Size disadvantage can lead to sprawl positions. He excels in both single legs and clinch trips, aiming for deep inside or outside reaps. Front headlock control can be a potential challenge against bigger wrestlers.
Similar wide stance, Dvalishvili utilizes explosive blitzes with straight punches. Limited striking diversity compared to Cejudo. His wrestling is his primary weapon, relying on constant pressure and takedown attempts with chain wrestling.
Cejudo boasts superior technical striking with diverse kicks, punches, and feints. Dvalishvili keeps it basic with straight punches and elbows.
While wrestling seems likely, Cejudo needs a plan for potential front headlock/sprawl situations. Despite five-round experience, Cejudo must match Dvalishvili’s pace and output for a decision win.
Cejudo vs Dvalishvili Prediction
This fight presents a unique puzzle for Cejudo, who can potentially solve it with the right adjustments and claim a decision victory. Can Cejudo’s striking neutralise Dvalishvili’s wrestling pressure? Will size and cage struggles hinder Cejudo? Can experience and adjustments counter Dvalishvili’s aggression?
We believe yes, and see him getting his hand raised after everything said and done in the ring!
Conclusion
UFC 298 promises strategic battles and explosive finishes. Volkanovski’s experience may edge out Topuria’s power, but expect a war. Whittaker’s elusive style should neutralize Costa’s aggression, barring a stunning Jiu-Jitsu upset. Cejudo’s striking prowess could counter Dvalishvili’s wrestling, but cage control is crucial.
Tune in for an unforgettable night where every fight carries championship implications!
