UFC 298 Preview: Volkanovski vs. Topuria Headlines Stacked Fight Card

Amid the anticipation for UFC 300, the upcoming UFC 298 card promises an exhilarating spectacle, headlined by the featherweight title clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. Volkanovski, already recognized as one of the greatest featherweights, seeks to further solidify his legacy against the rising Topuria.

The co-main event features a crucial middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa, with significant implications for the division’s landscape.

Additionally, the bantamweight showdown between Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo adds another layer of excitement, potentially determining the next title challenger and influencing Cejudo’s career trajectory.

Here’s a break down of the main card, schedule, and odds for UFC 298:

Main Card (ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET):

1. Alexander Volkanovski (c) (-125) vs. Ilia Topuria (+105): Featherweight title clash.
2. Paulo Costa (+195) vs. Robert Whittaker (-238): Middleweight bout with potential divisional impact.
3. Ian Machado Garry (-238) vs. Geoff Neal (+195): Intriguing matchup.
4. Henry Cejudo (+220) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (-270): Bantamweight bout with title implications.
5. Anthony Hernandez (-245) vs. Roman Kopylov (+200): Compelling middle weight contest.

Prelims (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET):

1. Mackenzie Dern (+110) vs. Amanda Lemos (-130): Women’s strawweight bout.
2. Rinya Nakamura (-1200) vs. Carlos Vera (=750): Flyweight clash.
3. Zhang Mingyang (-130) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (+110): Bantamweight matchup.
4. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (-250) vs. Junior Tafa (+205): Heavyweight bout.

Early Prelims (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET):

1. Danny Barlow (-225) vs. Josh Quinlan (+185): Lightweight contest.
2. Oban Elliott (-310)) vs. Val Woodburn (+250): Featherweight bout.
3. Andrea Lee (+154) vs. Miranda Maverick (-185): Women’s fly weight matchup.

Volkanovski vs. Topuria (UFC):

Prediction: In the feather weight main event, Volkanovski’s experience and proven track record make him the favorite. However, Topuria’s undefeated record and versatile skills add an element of unpredictability. While Volkanovski remains the frontrunner, Topuria’s potential for an upset cannot be ignored.

Whittaker vs. Costa (UFC):

Prediction: Whittaker’s resilience and tactical boxing could give him an edge in this striking heavy matchup. Costa’s powerful striking makes him a threat, but questions surrounding his long layoff create uncertainty. Whittaker is favored to secure a pivotal victory in the middle weight division.

Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili (UFC):

Prediction: In this wrestler vs. wrestler clash, Cejudo’s Olympic wrestling background and tactical boxing may prove decisive. Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling style adds intrigue, but Cejudo’s experience and striking proficiency make him the potential victor in this bantam weight show down.

UFC 298 promises a night of high stakes matchups and potential surprises, making it a must watch for MMA enthusiasts.