Alexander Volkanovski may have played up his age in the lead-up to his title defense, but at 35 years old, he is definitely not your typical UFC featherweight champion. Historically, no male fighter in the lightweight division or below has won a title fight after the age of 35. This sets the stage for an intriguing matchup against the young and talented Ilia Topuria, who is just 27 years old. Will Volkanovski be able to defy the odds and prove himself to be the exception to the 35-year-old rule? Or will this be the fight where he passes the torch to the up-and-coming Topuria?
ESPN ranks Volkanovski as the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the current No. 1 featherweight. With five successful title defenses and six UFC featherweight wins under his belt, he is a force to be reckoned with. However, a recent loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has raised questions about his dominance. On the other hand, Topuria boasts an undefeated record of 14-0 and has shown great promise with four finishes in his first six UFC fights. Will Volkanovski be able to cement his legacy with a victory, or will Topuria be the one to dethrone him?
In addition to the highly anticipated main event, UFC 298 will feature a compelling co-main event between former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and former title challenger Paulo Costa. Whittaker, ranked No. 3 in the world at middleweight by ESPN, will look to solidify his contender status with a win over Costa. With both fighters hungry for redemption, this matchup is sure to deliver fireworks.
The rest of the fight card is stacked with exciting matchups, including Geoff Neal vs. Ian Machado Garry in the welterweight division, Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo in the men’s bantamweight division, and Amanda Lemos vs. Mackenzie Dern in the strawweight division. These matchups are guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats and showcase the diverse talent within the UFC roster.
As fight night approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable event. With legacy on the line and a new era of fighters emerging, UFC 298 is set to be a defining moment in the world of mixed martial arts. So, buckle up and get ready for a night of thrilling action inside the Octagon.
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