Let’s go to the main card of UFC 298 which is scheduled for Feb 18 at the Honda Center, Anaheim, California, at 03:00 GMT. Not only we are talking about the main event of the night, but also about a fight for the Featherweight Title. Despite the name, Volkanovski is from Australia and has already tried twice for the Lightweight title, losing both bouts to Islam Makhachev. However, he is the reigning champion of the category and intends to keep it.
The contenders
Here, for the challenger, we truly have an international origin. We have a fighter (Ilia Topuria) born in Germany to Georgian parents but holding a Spanish nationality. Hence, the nickname «El Matador» is quite befitting. The first thing to say is that he has fought 14 battles and has won all of them. Four by knockout, 8 by submission and 2 by decision. He is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 146 pounds and affords a hand reach of 69 inches and a leg reach at 37. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Greco-Roman style wrestling define his fighting preferences.
The champion was actually born in North Macedonia to a local father and a Greek mother. His nickname «the Great» is in honor of Alexander the Great, a predominant figure for both nations. He has a record of 26 wins and 3 losses. Therefore, he is far more experienced than his opponent. The breakdown reads 13 knockouts, 3 submissions, 10 decisions, while his losses read 2 knockouts and 1 decision. He is a little shorter at 5’ 6’’ and a little heavier at 154.50 pounds, while he can reach further with his hands (71,6’’) but at an inch less with his feet (36’’). Alex Volkanovski prefers to fight by striking and wrestling.
Topuria vs Volkanovski is going to be tight
The reason that we chose this one is that even the most experienced tipsters cannot give a clear advantage to either fighter. The best odds at this time have the Spaniard with a slight disadvantage at @2.063, while the Australian enjoys @1.882. Probably the difference can be attributed to Volkanovski’s experience. Not to mention that he has already fought title deciding bouts, while his opponent still has to claim one. On the other hand, we have an undefeated fighter who is not exactly a newbie in the category.
Everything looks like an equal balance. Height, weight, reach, styles are all quite similar. So, for all intents and purposes, indeed it will be a fight whose outcome will be determined on the basis of experience, the day the two fighters will be in, and the thirst and will to win. In fact, on this last issue, we may have an advantage for the challenger as the usual case is that they want to depose the holder and become champions themselves. Frequently, the holder of a title can become complacent and underestimate the opposition.
Update
Since we discussed about this bout, little has changed in reference to the condition of the two fighters. However, there has been a change in the odds. Now, Alex Volkanovski enjoys a little higher advantage at @ 1.816, while Ilia Topuria dropped to @2.166. Probably, this was a result of the analysis that one of the expert coaches on the subject matter, Sean Madden shared.
The wider toolbox
In a nutshell, this is the set of attributes that coach Madden thinks that will be the decisive aspect. That set includes the footwork, the ability to strike at different situations, the control of the range to the opponent and the control of his hands. In summary, the Australian has more ways to hit his opponent as his game is more diverse.
On the other hand, Ilia Topuria presents only one leverage over his adversary. The ability to open a target. Meaning that he doesn’t look for an instance that Volkanovksi’s defense is imbalanced. He plans his attacks to create that instance. Additionally, he is a quite adept counter-puncher. However, if Alex forces him to keep his hands close to his body with low kicks and kicks at the shoulder line, that will be the end of it.
Our suggestion
Simple. The only chance that Topuria has is to push Volkanovski close to the fence and unleash a barrage of punches. We do not see that happening as the Australian «dances» in the octagon better and presents a more agile stance. So, we will go with the @1.816 offer for his win. Now, you can register for an account at the best betting platform and make the most of it.