ANAHEIM, Calif. – The stage is set for the UFC 298 after Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria had their final faceoff at ceremonial weigh-ins.
After both men successfully made weight on Friday morning, Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) and Topuria (14-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) conducted the last of their pre-fight obligations with one more staredown in front of fans and media before they step into the octagon to battle for the featherweight title.
Volkanovski will attempt to further solidify himself as one of the greatest 145-pound champions in history with a sixth consecutive defense. There are questions about his physical and mental state following a short-notice knockout loss to lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in October, and Topuria has promised to end the Aussie’s time on top and become an undefeated UFC titleholder.