Alexander Volkanovski has faced two losses to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, however, he remains the leading figure in the featherweight category. Facing potential adversity, Volkanovski will defend his 145-pound title against promising challenger Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, which takes place on February 17 in Anaheim, California.
It's been a while since Volkanovski looked so questioned before a featherweight title defense. Despite his awkward position as a -150 betting favorite, he heads to the Honda Center in Anaheim. It's a narrow margin for someone considered by many to be MMA's best featherweight, but he's facing one of the fastest rising stars in the sport. Topuria is a force in the featherweight class with 12 finishes in 14 undefeated bouts. Damage is assured even in fights that go to a distance. Just ask Josh Emmett, who Topuria defeated with an incredible scorecard of 50-42, earning his title shot. Volkanovski's relatively quick return after taking a kick to the head from Makhachev in October only adds to the concerns.
UFC 298 comes as a respite after the disappointing UFC 297. The powerful main card features former UFC champions Robert Whittaker and Henry Cejudo, who will face Paulo Costa and Merab Dvalishvili, respectively. The fight between Ian Machado Garry and Geoff Neal promises to be explosive and Anthony Hernandez, known for his 81% completion rate, is rumored to face ferocious puncher Roman Kopylov.
Below is the full card for UFC 298 along with the latest bets. Visit this page throughout the week for the latest news, articles and other content about this great event.
UFC 298 billboard and bets:
Alexander Volkanovski -150 vs. Ilia Topuria +125, featherweight championship
Robert Whittaker -210 vs. Paulo Costa +175, middleweights
Ian Machado Garry -225 vs. Geoff Neal +185, welterweights
Merab Dvalishvili -175 vs. Henry Cejudo +140, bantamweights
Anthony Hernandez vs. TBD, middleweights
Amanda Lemos vs. Mackenzie Dern, women's strawweights
Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Justin Tafa, heavyweights
Zhang Mingyang vs. Brendson Ribiero, light heavyweights
Yusaku Kinoshita vs. Danny Barlow, welterweights
Miranda Maverick vs. Andrea Lee, women's flyweights
UFC 298 information:
Date: February 17
Location: Honda Center - Anaheim
Start time: 10 pm ET (Main card)
How to watch: ESPN+ PPV
?
