Anticipated Clash in UFC 298: Volkanovski Goes Head-to-Head with Topuria
Hammer Down with UFC 298
The fearsome Alexander Volkanovski is set to end the winning streak of fearless upstart Ilia Topuria and cement his legacy in the featherweight division in the can't-miss main event at UFC 298 in Anaheim this Saturday night (Sunday morning in AUS).
The co-headliner promises a thrilling showdown between former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa, while Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo square off in what appears to be a bantamweight title eliminator.
Adding fuel to the fire, surging welterweight star Ian Machado Garry takes on Geoff Neal, and Anthony Hernandez and Roman Kopylov lock horns at middleweight.
Get Your Bets In: UFC Fight Night## MAIN CARD (starting at 5 AM Sunday AUS time):
Alexander Volkanovski (1.80) vs Ilia Topuria (2.05) (Featherweight Championship)
Volkanovski (26-3), a top-tier UFC competitor, has solidified his status as the greatest featherweight of all time at 35. The unbeaten champion has ruled the 145-pound division for over four years and has successfully defended his title five times. His only two losses in the last decade occurred when he ventured to the lightweight division to chase double champ status, losing to Islam Makhachev by decision in their first encounter last February and being knocked out by Makhachev again in their rematch*.
A hungry contender, Topuria (14-0) has racked up 14 straight victories, including six within the Octagon, to earn his first title shot as a highly skilled, well-rounded finisher with four knockouts and eight submissions to his name. Despite his fearless attitude and high-stakes approach, questions about his technical prowess in five-round battles* remain.
Volkanovski, an intelligent, cunning, and tireless fighter, has the skills to dictate tempo and wear down Topuria should the fight extend beyond the opening rounds*. The Australian ace will need to weather Topuria's early attack but should return to form in Anaheim with a full training camp under his belt.
*Note: Exact records may not be reflected in these results but can be found on official UFC sites.
Prediction: Volkanovski by decision.
Best Bet: Volkanovski at 1.80.
Alternative Bet: Volkanovski by decision at 3.40.
Robert Whittaker (1.40) vs Paulo Costa (3.05) (Middleweight)
The co-main event brings us a battle of technique versus power between middleweight heavyweights Whittaker (24-7) and Costa (14-2). Whittaker, a former champion and third-ranked contender, boasts superior striking, footwork, grappling and intelligence, while Costa, sixth in the rankings, is a feared striker known for his power and knockout prowess.
Costa last fought in August 2022, scoring a win over former champion Luke Rockhold, but has yet to regain his footing inside the Octagon. Whittaker, fresh off a dominant decision victory over Marvin Vettori at UFC Paris, is quick, intelligent, and slick, posing a daunting challenge for Costa.
With excellent striking, footwork, and solid grappling, Whittaker will pick Costa apart and control the match, leading to a decision victory*.
*Note: Exact records may not be reflected in these results but can be found on official UFC sites.
Prediction: Whittaker by decision.
Best Bet: Whittaker by decision at 2.10.
Alternative Bet: Whittaker at 1.40.
Geoff Neal (2.90) vs Ian Machado Garry (1.43) (Welterweight)
Two top-10 welterweights clash in the featured bout, each with a score to settle.
Machado Garry (13-0), a promising prospect with an unblemished record, is quick, precise, and agile. Comparisons to Conor McGregor have been made due to his outspokenness and fighting style. Neal (15-5), a hard-hitting southpaw, has won nine fights by knockout but dropped his two most recent bouts. Expected to struggle with Machado Garry's speed, ranginess, and technical prowess, Neal will be in for a challenge*.
Prediction: Machado Garry by decision.
Best Bet: Machado Garry by decision at 2.40.
Alternative Bet: Machado Garry at 1.43.
Merab Dvalishvili (1.45) vs Henry Cejudo (2.80) (Bantamweight)
Two exceptional wrestlers, Olympic gold medalist Cejudo (16-3) and Dvalishvili (16-4), collide for a bantamweight title opportunity that may be on the line. Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pressure and astounding takedown attempts, is recovering from a loss against champion Petr Yan but has won ten battles in a row. Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion, returns from retirement, looking to reclaim his title with newfound determination.
Prediction: Dvalishvili by decision.
Best Bet: Dvalishvili by decision at 1.74.
Alternative Bet: Dvalishvili at 1.45.
Anthony Hernandez (1.40) vs Roman Kopylov (3.05) (Middleweight)
The main card kicks off with a middleweight battle between Hernandez (11-2), a skilled grappler, and Kopylov (12-2), an explosive striker known for his knockout power. While Hernandez boasts a 92% takedown defence rate, the same as his knockout ratio, Kopylov's dynamic striking should enable him to keep the fight standing*.
Prediction: Kopylov by knockout.
Best Bet: Kopylov at 3.05.
Alternative Bet: Kopylov by KO/TKO/DQ at 4.50.
Article Credits: Quintin Van Jaarsveld – A former multiple award-winning sports journalist with over 15 years of experience, contributing to various South African sports media outlets and websites, including eHowzit, SARugby.com, and Rugby365.com. He has been recognized as the MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and the Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year three times. Currently a freelance sports writer.
Placing wagers on sports events, football fans might consider the upcoming UFC 298 event, featuring the sports competition rugby. In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski, a top-tier UFC competitor with a solid record in the rugby league, faces Ilia Topuria, an up-and-coming rugby player. Gamblers may wish to bet on Volkanovski to win by decision, as his experience and superior technique are predicted to carry him to victory against Topuria's aggressive but technically uncertain approach.
Moreover, topping off the middleweight division, former champion Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa will collide in the co-headliner. As a skilled, well-rounded rugby player known for his technique, Whittaker faces a formidable opponent in Costa, who possesses fearsome knockout power. A bet on Whittaker to win by decision would be attractive given his probability of outlasting Costa in a five-round rugby matchup. Don't miss out on UFC Fight Night this weekend and don't forget to place your bets!
