On Saturday, February 17, the highly anticipated UFC 298 event will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The main event features a captivating matchup between the reigning UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, and the undefeated challenger, Ilia Topuria. With this event just around the corner, let's delve into five key storylines that make this Pay-Per-View event a must-watch.
1. Volkanovski's Age and History of Male Fighters in Title Fights At 35 years old, Volkanovski finds himself at a crucial point in his career. Male UFC fighters, especially those competing in title fights below the welterweight limit, have historically struggled after the age of 35. A closer look reveals that male fighters have gone a daunting 2-21 in championship fights during this stage of their careers. Moreover, when facing younger opponents, their success rate diminishes even further. Volkanovski, with his loss on short notice and in a weight class he doesn't regularly compete in, exemplifies the challenges faced by fighters in this age group. However, his most recent win against Yair Rodriguez less than three months before his 35th birthday could fuel his confidence in this matchup.
2. Topuria's Confidence and Bold Predictions Ilia Topuria, the undefeated contender, exudes confidence bordering on cockiness. He has boldly predicted an easy victory against Volkanovski, stating that the champion stands no chance and that this fight will be one of the easiest of his career thus far. Topuria has even gone a step further, compiling a list of UFC featherweights he believes will not have a chance to face him once he dethrones Volkanovski. While confidence is an essential attribute in any athlete, especially in combat sports, Topuria's claims have set expectations astronomically high. It remains to be seen if he can back up his words against a long-reigning champion like Volkanovski.
3. Ian Garry's Risky Fighting Style Ian Machado Garry, a young and undefeated fighter, possesses dangerous traits that could work in his favor or against him. Garry has showcased a propensity for leaving his chin exposed during fights, a habit that has cost him in the past, as seen when Song Kennan knocked him down in a previous bout. It is concerning that Garry continues to fight with such vulnerability, and it raises questions about either ingrained habits or the efficacy of his training team's strategies. Eventually, a fighter will capitalize on this defensive flaw and put Garry down for good. Geoff 'Handz of Steel' Neal, with his knockout power and extensive UFC experience, might just be the opponent to exploit this vulnerability.
4. Cejudo's Underdog Status and High Stakes Henry Cejudo finds himself in an unexpected position going into his UFC 298 showdown against Merab Dvalishvili. Initially, Cejudo opened as the betting favorite but quickly shifted to the underdog. This shift in favor of Dvalishvili showcases the lack of confidence from those wagering on this fight. Cejudo's loss to Dvalishvili's teammate, Aljamain Sterling, back in May 2023, only fuels the doubts surrounding his chances in this bout. Cejudo himself has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that a loss could potentially mark the end of his career in the UFC. With everything on the line, expect Cejudo to bring his A-game and fight fiercely to prove his worth.
5. Dern's Redemption Opportunity Mackenzie Dern, a talented strawweight fighter, faced a significant setback in her last UFC bout against Jessica Andrade. Dern was the heavy favorite, but Andrade scored a second-round TKO victory. Reflecting on her performance, Dern admitted that she fought with too much emotion, deviating from her planned strategy. Against hard-hitting Amanda Lemos at UFC 298, Dern aims to make amends and revert to her successful style of constant pressure whilst showcasing her formidable grappling skills. A victory is crucial for Dern, as a loss could potentially drop her in the rankings, hindering her quest for UFC gold.
As UFC 298 approaches, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an enthralling night of fights. With storylines encompassing age dynamics, confidence, risky fighting styles, underdog status, and opportunities for redemption, this Pay-Per-View event is set to deliver high stakes and captivating action. Don't miss out on this incredible night of mixed martial arts competition.
