Is Alexander Volkavovski too old?
Alexander Volkanovski is set to return to defend his featherweight belt. At UFC 298, he is set to defend the belt for a sixth consecutive time. He will face the impressive and undefeated Ilia Topuria at Honda Center, in Anaheim. “The Great” Volkanovski is 26-3 in his mixed martial arts career. Ilia Tuporia is 14-0 and shot through the rankings. After facing Max Holloway three times, people wanted to see “Volk” against a new and fresh matchup. This is how we got this main event of UFC 298.
A lot of talk has been made about the age of Volkanovski. He is 35 and a lot of people are debating if the better days of Volk are behind him. Fighters who are over the age of 35 in title fights are 2-28. The two wins are both from Tyron Woodley at the time he defended his welterweight strap. Especially with Ilia Topuria being on the left side of 30, at the age of 27. Many believe that Alexander Volkanovski’s days are numbered. This might be due to his previous two losses. Those two losses came against the pound for pound Islam Makhachev at lightweight. People remember you by your last fight where Volk got TKOed in the first round by a predominantly wrestler.
However, vegas odds makers see Volkanovski as the favorite a -192 favorite. Topuria is currently the underdog with +110. That’s considered a pretty close matchup and we can see this betting line close at as pick em fight.
Alexander Volkanovski Responds to the Old Comments
Alexander Volkanovski recently came out with a funny video responding to him being old.
This is widely considered a funny skit. It seems Volk is embracing the old comments and doesn’t take it too seriously. His wins include against everyone at the top of the featherweight division. Max Holloway three times, Yair Rodriguez, The Korean Zombie, Brian Ortega, Chad Mendes, and Jose Aldo. Ilia Topuria’s best win is most likely against Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell. As well, his only wins against ranked opponents.
All things considered, this matchup has a lot of unknowns. After Volk’s last fight, he came out saying he was in a bad mental state. Consequently admitting to drinking every day until he got the call to rematch Islam Makhachev on short notice. Admitting it and coming out is the first step. Who knows how he fights inside the cage against an up and coming cannonball like Ilia Topuria. On the other hand, Topuria, as mentioned before, hasn’t fought anyone significant like Volkanovski did. With two wins over ranked opponents, there is no one else on his record that can matchup with Volk’s
Previous wins for Ilia Topuria include Jai Herbert at lightweight, Ryan Hall, and Damon Jackson. This might seem like the UFC is rushing Tuporia into a title shot. Undoubtedly, Topira still has an amazing record. Being 14-0 with only two wins coming by way of decision. This guy likes to finish fights. Eventually, we will wait no longer as both men will step into the octagon. On February 17th, Alexander Volkanovski will defend his belt against Ilia Toupira at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, USA. All the allegations and talks will stop and the better man will come out victorious.
What Else is on UFC 298?
This card is stacked with talent in the co main we have Robert Whittaker back after suffering a defeat to the hand of Dricus Du Plessis. Finally, Paulo Costa is back to face the aforementioned Whittaker. Another title eliminator will happen when Merab Dvalishvili faces Henry Cehudo. Formerly the flyweight and bantamweight champion is looking to regain his belt one more time.
Ian Machado Garry is back. After being forced to pull out the week of his fight against Vincente Luque, he’s back to face Geof Neal. His nickname Hands of Steel isn’t for nothing. Lastly, to open up the card, two up and commer middleweights trying to make a name for themselves. Roman Kapylov against Alexander Hernandez. Surely this fight cannot disappoint.
What did you think of Alexander Volkanovski’s skit? Who are you excited to watch at UFC 298? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
