Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently shared his insights on the highly anticipated UFC 298 main event and co-headliner.
Scheduled to headline UFC 298 is a featherweight title clash between reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski and challenger Ilia Topuria. Meanwhile, the co-main event will feature former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker squaring off against Paulo Costa. With speculation rife about the outcomes of these matchups, Usman weighed in with his predictions.
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Usman dissected the UFC 298 card, focusing on the Whittaker vs. Costa and Volkanovski vs. Topuria bouts. Regarding the co-main event, Usman anticipated a striking affair between Whittaker and Costa.
“Both guys ain’t gonna try to take each other down,” Usman remarked. “I believe Paulo hits hard, but I think Robert Whittaker’s a little bit more dynamic. He’s gonna have to be that way in this fight to secure victory.”
Kamaru Usman Predicts UFC 298
However, Usman acknowledged the threat posed by Costa’s aggressive approach, referencing Whittaker’s previous encounter with Dricus Du Plessis. Ultimately, Usman leaned towards Costa as his pick for the co-main event.
As for the main event, Usman expressed admiration for Topuria’s skill set, particularly after training with him in South Florida.
“Alexander Volkanovski is facing a tough challenge in Ilia Topuria,” Usman noted. “Topuria is the real deal. He’s versatile, excelling in boxing, grappling, kickboxing, and wrestling. He truly embodies the evolution of the game.”
Despite acknowledging Topuria’s capabilities, Usman admitted reservations about the challenger’s conduct during the pre-fight buildup, particularly his actions at the press conference.
Usman Not Impressed With Ilia Topuria
“I wasn’t a fan of Topuria’s antics at the press conference,” Usman confessed. “However, his skills are undeniable. While it’s difficult to bet against Volkanovski, I believe Topuria has the potential to cause an upset if he takes calculated risks and implements his dynamic combinations.”
Ultimately, Usman leaned towards Volkanovski as his pick for the UFC 298 championship bout, citing the champion’s track record and resilience.
“In a tight contest, I’d have to side with Alexander Volkanovski,” Usman concluded, emphasizing the champion’s ability to excel in prolonged battles.
With Usman’s predictions adding to the excitement surrounding UFC 298, fans eagerly await the unfolding of these anticipated matchups.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
