This weekend at UFC 298, Ilia Topuria will challenge champion Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title. This is one of the most highly anticipated matchups in mixed marital arts right now. The greatness of Volkanovski cannot be questioned, but Topuria undoubtedly has the skills to dethrone the champion. Are we about to enter the era of Ilia Topuria or will Volkanovski once again reign supreme?
Ilia Topuria Gunning for Glory at UFC 298
Topuria has been slicing through the 145lb division at an alarming rate. The Georgian-Spaniard has deadly finishing ability on the feet as well as on the ground and if anyone can stop Volkanovski’s dominance at featherweight, it’s him.
The 27-year-old certainly doesn’t lack confidence. He has already changed his Instagram bio to read “UFC Champion” and seems to be overlooking one of the best MMA fighters to step foot in the octagon. Although this may be the case, it’s not difficult to see where his self-belief comes from.
‘El Matador’ is undefeated in his professional career at 14-0. He has six wins in the UFC, four of which are finishes, and is rightfully being considered as a future champion. Whether he will make that dream come true this Saturday at UFC 298 is an exciting question to ponder. Topuria has dominated his opponents thus far and his knockout power is on par with his devastating submission game.
Despite his impressive run, the challenger has not faced anyone on the level of Volkanovski before. The Australian champion may be 35 years of age now and that statistic suggests the odds are against him, but he has been untouchable in this weight class so far. Topuria might be the man to stop Volkanovski, but write off ‘The Great’ at your peril.
Breaking Down the Strengths of Topuria
Just how does the challenger cause the champion problems? Volkanovski is coming off a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev up a weight class, and this needs to be taken into account. Topuria has knockout power in his hands, and will look to cause as much damage with his boxing as possible. Volkanovski will struggle to take too many big shots from the younger fighter. It will be interesting to see how the Aussie copes with the power coming his way after such a devastating defeat.
Striking
Rarely do we see fighters as well-rounded as Topuria. As mentioned above, his boxing is a joy to watch. He is light on his feet and is able to deliver clubbing blows to his opponents at a frightening speed. When it comes to shot selection, Topuria is a master. He will mix up his attacks to the head and body and by doing this he has finished multiple fighters in style.
Topuria’s defence has improved over his UFC career too. Sometimes he has shown no respect for anything coming back his way. Against Jai Herbert he got caught with a well-timed head kick that sent him to the canvas. He went on to knock out Herbert in the most violent way possible, but surely learnt from the early scare. His shoulder roll defensive work against Josh Emmett worked very well and took away his opponent’s biggest weapon.
Grappling
Topuria has a Greco-Roman wrestling background but hasn’t used it much in the octagon. When he has though, it has been effective. What stands out the most alongside the striking abilities is his Jiu-Jitsu. Eight of his 14 wins have come by way of submission. He is a strong top player who is always looking for submissions such as arm triangles once he advances to mount position. He has brilliant guillotine finishes to his name too as well as some nasty rear-naked chokes. His aggressive grappling style continuously causes problems for his opponents.
Prediction for UFC 298 Volkanovski vs Topuria
Topuria is relentless and will stop at nothing to be the best. Volkanovski is arguably the greatest featherweight we’ve seen and is by no means on the decline. This one is tough to pick.
Volkanovski’s movement, timing and range management will be difficult for Topuria to deal with, and he will have trained hard for this fight. Having said that, I can see Topuria pushing Volkanovski to his absolute limit and landing ferocious shots on his man. I believe the damage will add up and take its toll on the champion. Most of this one is likely to take place on the feet, but don’t be surprised if Topuria initiates some grappling.
I am by no means underestimating Volkanovski. He has proven himself time and time again and is considered one of the best of all time for a reason. I will not be shocked if he defends his belt here, but I am predicting a changing of the guard and a new champion at featherweight.
Official prediction: Ilia Topuria via TKO.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
