UFC 298 Betting Prediction:Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria 2/17/2024
As the UFC 298 gears up to take center stage on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, USA, all eyes are set on the featherweight title bout between Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski and Ilia “El Matador” Topuria. This clash is not just a fight; it’s a spectacle of skill, strategy, and willpower, where Volkanovski’s experience meets Topuria’s undefeated streak. Fans and bettors alike are on the lookout for UFC 298 free picks and prediction, as this bout promises to deliver not just in terms of action inside the octagon but also in betting opportunities.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Honda Center, Anaheim, California, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Alexander Volkanovski Analysis
The reigning UFC featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski has used his world-class striking and endless gas tank to dominate the 145 lb division with spectacular fashion in recent years. The stats showcase precisely why he has been so hard to defeat inside the Octagon. Volkanovski lands a staggering 6.19 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy rate of 57% – well above the division average. That type of crisp, high-volume striking output simply overwhelms opponents as the fight wears on. Even more impressively, Volkanovski absorbs just 3.42 significant strikes per minute while maintaining his relentless pace thanks to superb 58% striking defense. Time and time again he attacks without slowing down for 25 straight minutes.
Not just a striker, Volkanovski has well-rounded wrestling ability too, attempting 1.84 takedowns per round and converting them at a 37% clip. While he rarely looks for submissions (0.2 per round), his wrestling is another weapon used to control fights, whether defending 70% of an opponent’s takedowns or initiating clinches to do damage inside. The combination of pacing, volume and technique in both his striking and grappling has made Volkanovski a puzzle no featherweight has solved for over six years. At 33 years old Volkanovski shows no signs of slowing down either.
Ilia Topuria Analysis
As the undefeated 14-0 challenger, Ilia Topuria combines dangerous knockout power with a strong submission grappling arsenal. The statistics show his well-rounded finishing skills in all areas. On the feet, Topuria lands an above average 4.44 significant strikes per minute with solid 46% accuracy behind crisp boxing combinations. Using distance control and timing, he avoids taking much damage despite his aggressiveness, absorbing only 3.05 strikes per minute while maintaining a superb 67% striking defense rate. Topuria bides his time on the feet, waiting to land fight-ending strikes.
Where the undefeated rising contender does his best work is dragging opponents to the mat and hunting for submissions and ground and pound openings. Topuria attempts a whopping 2.19 takedowns per round, landing them at a 56% accuracy clip thanks to brute strength and raw athleticism. Once in top control, he is a persistent submission hunter, averaging 1.5 submission attempts every round. At just 26 years old, Topuria couples powerful wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills with developing, technically sound striking. It’s this well-rounded finishing ability that has made him an intimidating up-and-comer in the featherweight division.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Stats
| Volkanovski | Topuria | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 26-3-0 | 14-0-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 16:18 | 10:17 |
| Height | 5′ 6″ | 5′ 7″ |
| Weight | 145 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
| Reach | 71″ | 69″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 6.19 | 4.44 |
| Striking Accuracy | 57% | 46% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.42 | 3.05 |
| Defense | 58% | 67% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.84 | 2.19 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 37% | 56% |
| Takedown Defense | 70% | 92% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.2 | 1.5 |
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Betting Picks
Given Volkanovski’s long reign as champion and wealth of high-level experience compared to Topuria’s youth, this line makes sense directionally. However there could be some value on Topuria if he can implement takedowns and grappling control to offset Volkanovski’s striking.
Our prediction is that Volkanovski can use his elite cardio, pace and technical kickboxing to win rounds early and either take a decision or even catch Topuria late. Topuria will be dangerous but facing five rounds against an elite pressure fighter like Volkanovski is a big ask for any young up-and-comer.
Free Pick: Alexander Volkanovski -126
UFC 298 shapes up to be a stellar card top to bottom, culminating in a featherweight title fight that pits champion Alexander Volkanovski against the undefeated Ilia Topuria. While Topuria’s grappling skills make him a live underdog, look for the well-rounded Volkanovski to set the pace early and pile up volume striking and control time to take a convincing decision win. Volkanovski ML is the best value in the betting market, you may now place your bets at the best online casino site.
