Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Odds, Date, How to Watch, and Predictions for UFC 298
Ilia Topuria will look to stay undefeated and take down the former champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Johnny Covers previews tonight's matchup and provides his pick in Volkanovski vs. Topuria in Anaheim.
Johnny Covers - February 17, 2024, 12:00 AM EST
5 minAlexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Odds, Date, How to Watch, and Predictions for UFC 298
The fight that we’ve all been waiting for is now just hours away, as UFC 298 is slated to kick off from Anaheim, CA Saturday afternoon. While terrific bouts are starting even in the early prelims, the main event of UFC 298 will be driving most of the PPV buys.
When Alexander Volkanovski steps into the octagon Saturday night to defend his long-held featherweight strap, he’ll also be protecting his unbeaten professional record in the division. Young stud Ilia Topuria will have something to say about both, however, as there might be no fighter on the UFC roster more confident in their abilities than the Georgian.
As fight night quickly approaches outside of Los Angeles, let’s dive into where the odds have landed, both fighters' recent form, and who I like to get this one done.
Volkanovski vs. Topuria Date, Time, and Where to Watch
When: Saturday, February 17, 2024, 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Where to Watch: ESPN/ESPN+ PPV
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Odds
This market opened up months ago, and the champ Volkanovski was listed as high as -175 to win, with Topuria coming in around +150. Since then, money has steadily poured in on the underdog, as Topuria now sits close to +100 and Volkanovski is down to -125.
Fighter | Odds | Total Rounds |
|---|---|---|
Alexander Volkanovski | -130 | O3.5 (-130) |
Ilia Topuria | +110 | U3.5 (+100) |
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria UFC 298 Prediction
Alexander Volkanovski (26-3-0)
While Volk has made largely light work of fellow featherweights, he risked a lot in my opinion in moving up to lightweight to take on champion Islam Makhachev. While the first fight was close, losing a tight decision, Volk was steamrolled in the rematch getting knocked out in the very first round. He did fight once at featherweight again, a win over Yair Rodriguez, in between the two Islam fights to further his record-breaking run within the division.
Ilia Topuria (14-0-0)
Coming into Saturday eight years younger than Volk, Topuria is 27 years of old but has the fight IQ of an aging veteran. In six fights to start his UFC career, Topuria is a perfect 6-0, with five of those wins coming inside the distance.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Pick
I’ll be the first to say, net-net, Volk is the best featherweight to ever walk the face of the earth; in his prime. Unfortunately for him, and all of us, Father Time is undefeated and I think that the second Islam fight accelerated Volk’s clock. Facing an absolute animal in Topuria, I think we see an early exit for the champ.
Pick: Ilia Topuria (+110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
UFC ODDS
