This Saturday night, Anaheim, California’s Honda Center, will host the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s latest pay-per-view featuring a featherweight championship fight in the main event.
Few things in the spectrum of mixed martial arts are as coveted as an undefeated record, and that’s exactly what Ilia Topuria is putting on the line against Alexander Volkanowski this weekend at UFC 298.
UFC Lightweight Champion Volkanovski places his title at risk, but he’s chomping at the bit to place a blemish on Toporuia’s flawless record. Alexander is not mincing words in his pre-fight chatter, predicting he’ll humble Topuria and reveal that the younger MMA’er still needs some seasoning before he climbs to the top of the pecking order.
“He likes to talk… Let him do the talking, and I’ll do the walking on February 17 and 18 in Australia. Do work, humble him, and show the world again — remind them and let him know that he’s still got a ways to go until he’s up at the top. I’m gonna show him that.”
Alexander Volkanovski on his bout with Ilia Topuria at UFC 298
Comparing the two fighters from a statistical standpoint shows they each have a few advantages.
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UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria Tale of the Tape |
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| Volkanovski | Topuria | |
| Height | 5’6” | 5’7” |
| Weight | 154 Lbs. | 146 Lbs. |
| Age | 35 | 27 |
| Reach | 71.5” | 69” |
| Leg Reach | 36” | 37” |
| Record | 26-3-0 | 14-0-0 |
| Wins By Knockout | 13 | 4 |
| Wins By Submission | 3 | 8 |
Alexander has an edge in experience, weight, and arm reach. Ilia is taller, younger, and has the better leg reach. Their disciplines are both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based, but Volkanovski is a striker with a Muay Thai background.
Topuria is more focused on takedowns and submissions, winning 8 of his 14 fights via that method.
The odds for betting on UFC 298 are granting a narrow edge to Alexander in the prefight match lines, but both fighters have odds that are in the negative.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Betting Line
- Alexander Volkanovski -115
- Ilia Topuria -105
- UFC Odds @ BovadaLV
Betting on either fighter will require more risk than reward. There is some room to shop the odds for the best sportsbook payout for UFC 298 if you hunt around a bit.
For instance, Topuria is garnering a +105 money line at BetOnline, which will actually deliver a little more than you wagered if he ends up winning.
UFC prop bets suggest that the fight will not go the distance, implying that either a knockout or a tapout will occur on Saturday.
Will The Volkanovski vs. Topuria Fight Go The Distance
- Yes +140
- No -185
MMA gamblers can find odds for UFC 298 at any of the sites included in our online sportsbook reviews.
Sources:
- UFC 298 Betting Odds: BovadaLV (Bovada Sportsbook Review), BetOnlineAG (BetOnline Review)
- MMA Fighting
