One of the biggest fights of the year is here.
UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski draws the undefeated ‘Matador’ Ilia Topuria in his next title defense. The title fight headlines UFC 298, which takes place from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Alexander ‘The Great’ attempts to make his sixth title defense at featherweight after falling short of lightweight gold last October against Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski vows to stay unbeaten at the 145lb weight class but the fellow undefeated fighter Topuria will look to blemish the champ’s record.
After sixth wins in the Octagon, Topuria gets his first title shot in the promotion. The 27 year-old contender is confident he’ll bring the UFC belt to Spain.
Round 1:
Volkanovski throws a leg kick. More kicks lands for Volkanovski. The champ goes high and low with his kicks. Topuria doesn’t throw too much. Topuria throws a great leg kick which almost knocks Volkanovski off balance. Topuria goes up top with a punch. Body kick lands for Volkanovski and then a low leg kick. Topuria lands big on Volkanovski.
Leg kick lands for Volkanovski. Volkanovski enters the clinch for a moment but then breaks.
CDS: 10-9 Volkanovski
Round 2:
Body kick lands for the champion. Volkanovski patters Topuria with the jab. Topuria lands a good cross on Volkanovski. Topuria eats a right hand. Volkanovski works to the body with a kick. Leg kick lands for Topuria. Volkanovski’s jab lands on Topuria. Volkanovski continues to tag the challenger with his jab.
Volkanovski lands another jab, but Topuria stands his ground, returning fire. Topuria swarms Volkanovski and knocks him down to the canvas with a combo of punches. The referee stops the contest. Spain has a UFC Champion.
Official result: Ilia Topuria defeats Alexander Volkanovski via KO (punches) in round 2 (3:32)
Check out the highlights below:
Is Zuck Volk's good luck charm?
Guess we'll find out soon 👀@AlexVolkanovski | #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/cYYOuyqWVg
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
HE IS KING 👑@TOPURIAILIA IS YOUR NEW FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD 🇪🇸🏆 🇬🇪 #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/eKRjZsP7yI
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
Nothing but respect 🤝#UFC298 pic.twitter.com/WBHjyRQX4F
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
"Trust yourself. Work tirelessly. Have faith and anything is possible."@TopuriaIlia shares his first thoughts after becoming the NEW featherweight champion #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/ybicFRtsMT
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
Will there be a rematch on the horizon?@AlexVolkanovski | #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/h2aINanba1
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
