As of my last update in January 2022, UFC 298 and any potential matchups, including Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria, have not been officially announced or scheduled. Therefore, I can't provide predictions for this specific fight as it may not be planned or confirmed.
However, if this matchup were to happen in the future, here's an analysis based on the fighters' skills and past performances:
Alexander Volkanovski:
- Volkanovski is a highly skilled mixed martial artist with a strong background in both striking and grappling.
- As the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, he possesses excellent cardio, power, and technical proficiency.
- Volkanovski is known for his relentless pressure, footwork, and ability to control the pace of the fight.
- He has faced elite competition and has notable victories over fighters like Max Holloway and Jose Aldo.
Ilia Topuria:
- Topuria is an up-and-coming prospect in the UFC's featherweight division with an impressive undefeated record.
- He has showcased well-rounded skills, including solid striking, grappling, and submission abilities.
- Topuria has demonstrated composure and maturity inside the Octagon despite his young age.
- He possesses a strong ground game and has secured several wins via submission.
Prediction:
If Alexander Volkanovski were to face Ilia Topuria, it would likely be a compelling matchup between an experienced champion and a rising contender. While Topuria has shown promise and could pose challenges for Volkanovski, the champion's experience, versatility, and high-level skills would likely give him the edge. Volkanovski's championship experience, combined with his well-rounded skill set and fight IQ, could lead him to victory, possibly via decision or late-round stoppage.
As always in MMA, outcomes can be unpredictable, and any fight can produce surprising results. This analysis is based on the information available up to January 2022, and circumstances may change in the future.
