Ilia Topuria will look to end the reign of Alexander Volkanovski as the featherweight world champion when the pair meet in the main event of UFC 298, set for the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, on the morning of Sunday 18 February 2024.
Volkanovski (26-3) comes into the fight on the back of a first-round KO loss to Islam Makhachev in a bout for the lightweight championship in October last year. It was the Australian’s second loss to the Russian in a ‘pound for pound king’ clash, though it must be noted that ‘The Great’ sportingly took the fight on only a few days’ notice and was definitely unprepared.
The 35-year-old, however, is unbeaten in the featherweight division and is looking to make a sixth successful defence of his title, having seen off challenges from Max Holloway [twice], Brian Ortega, Jung Chan-sung and Yair Rodriguez.
Volkanovski says he is taking the challenge of Topuria seriously, and is using training partner Brad Riddell as a fighter who can “simulate” his opponent’s boxing style.
“I think, to be honest, he [Riddell] can give me a lot more problems than what Ilia will. That’s not knocking Ilia, that’s just showing how good Brad is,” said ‘Volk’.
“Brad’s had hundreds of kickboxing matches, and had a heap of boxing matches, so a strong powerful stocky dude as well.
“I’m taking this fight serious. I’m taking Ilia serious. He thinks he’s the man, let’s see if he is. I’m ready for the best version that turns up February 17.
“Let’s see what we have in store. I’m going to be ready either way. I see he’s confident. He’s a confident cocky young dude. Let’s see if he’s gonna bring it because I’m gonna. Can’t wait to show him levels.”
Topuria (14-0) has enjoyed a phenomenal rise to prominence in the UFC, most recently proving his title challenging credentials with a five-round unanimous decision win over the tough-to-beat Josh Emmett in June last year.
The 26-year-old ‘El Matador’ believes his youth and vigour will be too much for Volkanovski to handle: “If you think someone can imitate me, that means that your last fight has left you with lasting effects!” the German-born Georgian-Spanish fighter posted on social media.
“I will knock you out in the first round. You’re old, it’s time to retire. It is time to move on and make way for the new era of Topuria.”
The remainder of the fight card features a co-main middleweight match between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa; Geoff Neal and Ian Machado Garry face off in a welterweight clash; Merab Dvalishvili takes on Henry Cejudo in the bantamweight division; and the opening fight is a middleweight clash pitting Anthony Hernandez against Ramon Kopylov.
UFC 298 – MAIN CARD
Main event: Featherweight championship: Alexander Volkanovski v Ilia Topuria
Middleweight: Robert Whittaker v Paulo Costa
Welterweight: Geoff Neal v Ian Machado Garry
Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili v Henry Cejudo
Middleweight: Anthony Hernandez v Ramon Kopylov