UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria predictions, odds and how to watch

Alexander Volkanovski is set to attempt to defend his featherweight belt at 145 pounds for the sixth time against Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 298. Volkanowski has successfully held the belt since his victory over former champion Max Holloway in Dec. 2019.

Topuria has won six consecutive fights and holds a perfect 14-0 record since beginning his UFC career in Oct. 2020. With eight submissions and four knockouts, Topuria poses a significant threat to Volkanovski's (26-3) title reign.

Despite Topuria’s impressive record, Volkanovski is the favorite to defend the featherweight belt in the main event in UFC 298.

UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria predictions

BetMGM: Unanimous decision victory for Alexander Volkanovski

Staff writes: "The Australian champion has outclassed and outpointed his opponents with impeccable timing, which frustrates his opponents throughout the fight. This strategy often awards him the decision victory because of the cumulative damage he inflicts, especially when the fight is at the latter stages. But Topuria is a different type of opponent because of his calculated aggression. He has elite boxing skills that schools his opponents. That is not only the lone threat that he presents as the Spanish challenger can also decide to ragdoll his opposition to the ground when he knows that they are gassed out or slowing down; this way, he can look for a ground-and-pound or submission finish."

Bleacher Report: Volkanovski by TKO, Rd. 3

Tom Taylor writes: "The Great" Volkanovski finally looked mortal in his two 2023 fights with Islam Makhachev, but let's not forget he also beat the brakes of Yair Rodriguez in between those fights. At featherweight, he's still the man. Topuria is a tough challenge, to be sure, and he could definitely surprise us both this weekend, but the more likely outcome in my mind is that Volkanovski survives a few early scares, takes control of the fight in Round 2 or 3, and makes his young challenger look woefully unprepared for this level of competition. Where Haris and I diverge is when it ends. I think the champ can put a bow on this one before the championship rounds."

Covers: Volkanovski

Rohit Ponnaiya writes: "Father Time comes for everyone but I don't think Volkanovski's decline is as imminent as some seem to think. Expect Volk to carve up Topuria's leg with low kicks and use his reach advantage and strength to grind out another title defense. "

Pickswise: Topuria to pull off the slight upset

Matthew Lowrimore writes: "This fight is very even with Volkanovski as the slight favorite. That being said, Topuria is perfect in his MMA career and has solid enough striking defense and takedown defense to limit Volkanovski’s strengths. For that reason, backing Topuria to pull off the slight upset will be our best bet.

UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria odds, total rounds

Alexander Volkanovski is the favorite to defeat Ilia Topuria, according to the BetMGM odds.

All odds as of Thursday.

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How to watch UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria

The main card event will commence on Sat. Feb. 17 at 10 p.m. ET.

However, the first fights will start at 6:30 p.m. ET. You can watch all the fights on ESPN+. The four prelim fights will also be broadcasted on ESPN before switching to pay-per-view (via ESPN+) for the main card.

How to watch: Catch UFC action with an ESPN+ subscription

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