UFC 298 Predictions and Picks: The excitement is brewing as the UFC gears up for another thrilling pay-per-view event, set to take place this weekend in Anaheim, California. With a promising lineup, UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria is poised to deliver a night of electrifying action for fight fans.
In the main event, all eyes will be on the featherweight title clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. Volkanovski, already hailed as one of the greats in the division, aims to solidify his legacy with another remarkable victory. However, standing in his way is the formidable Topuria, riding high on an impressive winning streak and exuding confidence like never before.
Volkanovski’s journey to this moment hasn’t been without its challenges. A recent knockout loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has cast doubts on his invincibility. Yet, the Aussie has shown resilience in the face of adversity, bouncing back from setbacks and proving his mettle time and again.
Meanwhile, Topuria has been on a tear, showcasing his dominance with a string of impressive victories inside the octagon. With a relentless fighting style characterized by powerful strikes and aggressive takedowns, the Spaniard poses a significant threat to Volkanovski’s reign.
While Topuria undoubtedly has the tools to pull off an upset, Volkanovski’s experience and championship pedigree make him a formidable opponent. Despite the lingering effects of his recent loss, Volkanovski remains a force to be reckoned with, making it difficult to bet against him in this highly anticipated matchup.
Our UFC 298 prediction for the main event is…
UFC 298 Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski By Unanimous Decision
This weekend’s middleweight bout is eagerly anticipated after two previous attempts to schedule it fell through. Despite the setbacks, the UFC has persisted in booking this pivotal matchup, underscoring its significance for the division.
The road to this bout has been fraught with obstacles, largely due to Paulo Costa’s actions. His withdrawal from the initial booking, citing illness, followed by disputes over contracts, has resulted in delays and frustration. Costa’s inconsistent availability has hindered his activity in the octagon, contrasting starkly with his opponent’s more frequent appearances.
Robert Whittaker, in contrast, has been a more active competitor in recent times. Although he fell short in his bid to reclaim the middleweight title, his victories over other top contenders have kept him in the mix. However, his last fight ended in a surprising knockout loss to Dricus du Plessis, raising questions about his vulnerability.
The question now is whether Costa can replicate du Plessis’ success against Whittaker. Known for his aggressive striking, Costa poses a threat with his powerful punches and imposing presence. Yet, Whittaker’s resilience and strategic acumen may prove to be formidable obstacles for the Brazilian.
While Costa’s style mirrors that of Jared Cannonier, who failed to overcome Whittaker, doubts linger over his ability to execute against the former champion. Whittaker’s ability to outmanoeuvre opponents with precision strikes and defensive prowess presents a challenging puzzle for Costa to solve.
With both fighters inching towards the latter stages of their careers, questions abound about their form and readiness. Whittaker’s recent defeat raises concerns, but Costa’s lack of recent activity and weight management issues further cloud the picture.
In light of these factors, Whittaker appears to have the advantage heading into the bout. Had Costa committed to the fight earlier, the outcome might have been more uncertain. Nonetheless, Whittaker’s experience and skillset make him the favourite to emerge victorious in this anticipated showdown.
UFC 298 Prediction: Robert Whittaker By Unanimous Decision
In the upcoming welterweight showdown, Geoff Neal squares off against Ian Machado Garry, promising an electrifying clash between two top-10 contenders in the 170-pound division.
Amidst the anticipation, Ian Garry appears to hold the edge in momentum. Despite facing scrutiny in his personal life, ‘The Future’ has showcased remarkable prowess inside the octagon, securing victories in six consecutive matchups, including a notable win over the formidable Neil Magny.
Garry’s striking prowess is a sight to behold, characterized by impeccable timing. His adept use of long-range strikes enables him to dismantle opponents with precision, as evidenced by his strategic dismantling of Magny, a fighter known for his extensive reach.
On the other side of the octagon, Geoff Neal brings his own set of skills to the table. With a nickname like ‘Handz of Steel,’ Neal’s punching power is undeniable, as demonstrated by his brutal knockouts of notable opponents such as Vicente Luque and Niko Price.
However, Neal has encountered difficulties against opponents with superior reach and technical striking abilities, such as Magny and Stephen Thompson. This vulnerability may provide Garry with a psychological advantage heading into the matchup.
Considering these factors, the pick leans towards Ian Garry. His recent success coupled with his skill set make him a formidable opponent for Neal.
Our official UFC 298 prediction…
UFC 298 Prediction: Ian Garry By Unanimous Decision
In a highly anticipated bantamweight showdown, former titleholder Henry Cejudo steps into the cage against Merab Dvalishvili, with the potential for the victor to secure a shot at the 135-pound championship in their next outing.
This matchup presents a significant test for Cejudo, offering insight into his current form and capabilities. While Cejudo boasts an impressive resume as an Olympic gold medalist wrestler and a skilled striker, his sporadic competition in recent years, including a three-year hiatus starting in 2020, raises questions about his readiness.
On paper, Cejudo’s pedigree suggests he should pose a formidable challenge for Dvalishvili. With superior wrestling and striking abilities, Cejudo has the tools to dictate the pace of the fight. However, competing at bantamweight, where he may be undersized compared to his opponent, adds an additional layer of complexity to the matchup.
The three-round duration of the bout may work in Cejudo’s favor, allowing him to capitalize on his early momentum and potentially build a commanding lead on the scorecards. If he can effectively defend against Dvalishvili’s takedowns in the opening rounds, Cejudo could establish control and secure a victory.
Nevertheless, Cejudo’s age of 37 and lack of recent activity raise concerns about his conditioning and ability to withstand Dvalishvili’s relentless pace. Despite the close nature of the contest, the pick ultimately leans towards…
Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili By Unanimous Decision
In a middleweight showdown, Anthony Hernandez squares off against Roman Kopylov in a pivotal matchup with significant implications for both fighters’ careers.
For Kopylov, this represents a golden opportunity to ascend the rankings and establish himself as a legitimate contender in the division. Hernandez, despite his curious No. 14 ranking, hasn’t notched many notable victories.
However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge Hernandez’s recent success. Riding a four-fight win streak, he most notably dispatched Edmen Shahbazyan, once touted as a promising prospect. Hernandez’s well-rounded skill set and resilience make him a formidable opponent, especially in the later rounds where he often shines.
On the other side of the octagon, Kopylov boasts an equally impressive four-fight win streak, with all victories coming by way of knockout. Like Hernandez, he’s known for his ability to perform under pressure and finish fights late.
Predicting the outcome of this bout proves challenging. Kopylov’s decision to accept the fight on relatively short notice, approximately four weeks, raises concerns about his conditioning and stamina. It’s conceivable that fatigue could play a factor, potentially allowing Hernandez to seize control as the fight progresses.
Considering these factors, the edge may slightly tilt in favor of Anthony Hernandez. His recent momentum coupled with Kopylov’s abbreviated preparation period suggests that Hernandez may capitalize on any potential openings to secure a victory.
Prediction: Anthony Hernandez By Submission
A remarkable 7-1 run, punctuated by consecutive victories over Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Marina Rodriguez, propelled Amanda Lemos (13-3-1) into a title shot in August 2023. However, despite her impressive record, her championship aspirations were dashed when Zhang Weili dominated her for a full 25 minutes, exposing her limitations.
Lemos boasts an impressive tally of 11 professional finishes, with eight coming by way of knockout.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie Dern (13-4) has endured a rough patch, currently standing at 2-3 in her last five outings. Despite a standout performance against Angela Hill in 2023, where she displayed her prowess, Dern faltered against Jessica Andrade’s power later that year.
Stepping in for Tatiana Suarez on short notice, Dern faces an uphill battle. While she may aspire to replicate Zhang’s wrestling clinic, her lack of takedown proficiency forces her to rely on sheer power and aggression to control the fight.
However, this strategy may prove futile against the formidable Lemos, a powerhouse in her own right. Though both fighters have shown inconsistencies, Dern’s vulnerabilities in defence and wrestling leave her at a disadvantage against the relentless onslaught of “Amandinha.”
While Dern may possess a glimmer of hope, given Lemos’s past struggles with endurance and adapting to smaller opponents, her defensive lapses and limited wrestling skills make it difficult to bet against the Brazilian powerhouse. Ultimately, Dern’s quest for redemption may end in disappointment as she succumbs to Lemos’s punishing strikes, marking her second loss against a formidable foe named Amanda.
Prediction: Amanda Lemos By Unanimous Decision
Marcos Rogerio holds a slight height and reach advantage over his opponent, known as “Bad Man.”
Justin Tafa from New Zealand (7-3) stepped into the UFC with momentum, securing three consecutive victories. However, he stumbled in three out of his first four UFC bouts before reclaiming his stride with four consecutive wins. Notably, Tafa made history as the first UFC Heavyweight to miss weight during this period.
Impressively, all seven of Tafa’s professional victories have come by knockout within two rounds.
“Pezao” presents an intriguing case, often displaying a knack for snatching victory from the brink of defeat. While he has various paths to victory, including ground domination or a stand-up slugfest, the latter option carries risks. Nonetheless, Tafa’s most notable win over Austen Lane pales in comparison to the challenge posed by de Lima.
Despite the potential for missteps, de Lima’s wealth of experience and diverse skill set give him the edge. Anticipating a swift takedown, de Lima asserts dominance early on and proceeds to overpower Tafa on the ground, leading to a decisive victory. Do you agree with your UFC 298 prediction for this bout?
Prediction: Marcos Rogerio By Knockout
Rinya Nakamura (8-0) concluded his impressive “Road to UFC” journey with a lightning-fast victory over fellow countryman Toshiomi Kazama in just 33 seconds at the Finale. In his second UFC appearance, Nakamura faced DWCS veteran Fernie Garcia, showcasing his dominance on the mat and securing a unanimous decision victory.
Nakamura boasts five knockout victories and one submission win in his professional career.
Carlos Vera (11-3) from Ecuador entered The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) house on a four-fight win streak, representing Team McGregor. Despite his aspirations, Vera’s time on the show was short-lived, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Brad Katona in the opening round.
Vera’s vulnerability to takedowns proved to be his downfall on the show, and facing a wrestler of Nakamura’s caliber spells trouble for him. It’s unlikely he’ll be able to keep the fight standing for long, especially with Nakamura’s potent left hand looming as a threat.
While Vera’s best chance may lie in attempting a guillotine choke as Nakamura goes for a takedown, Nakamura’s sharpness and awareness make it unlikely for him to fall into such an obvious trap. Ultimately, Nakamura is poised to either overwhelm Vera with strikes against the fence or methodically grind out a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Rinya Nakamura by Unanimous Decision
Zhang Mingyang (16-6) bounced back from a rough patch with an impressive streak of eight consecutive first-round finishes, establishing himself as a force in China’s Heavyweight division. His standout performance came in the 2022 “Road to UFC” bout against George Tokkos, where he defied the odds to secure a UFC contract in under two minutes.
After nearly two years away from competition due to a series of setbacks in 2023, Zhang is set to make his return to the octagon.
Brendson Ribeiro (15-5) earned his shot at the UFC with back-to-back ground-and-pound victories, culminating in a Contender Series showdown against the highly favored Legacy Fighting Alliance champion, Bruno Lopes. Ribeiro’s power proved decisive, earning him his eleventh first-round finish and a UFC contract.
While Ribeiro has shown prowess in finishing fights, Zhang emerges as a more promising prospect for China’s MMA scene. Despite being only 25 years old, Zhang exhibits remarkable athleticism and veteran savvy.
The key question revolves around their current skill levels.
In this matchup, Ribeiro’s stand-up game lacks depth beyond basic jabs and crosses, and his ground game is less than stellar. Although he possesses knockout power, Ribeiro’s limited arsenal makes him vulnerable against a well-rounded opponent like Zhang. Zhang’s ability to absorb powerful shots, as demonstrated against Tokkos, suggests that Ribeiro is more likely to succumb to a well-placed strike.
In the end, Zhang’s superior skills and versatility are likely to lead him to victory, potentially with a decisive straight right early in the bout.
Prediction: Zhang Mingyang By Knockout
Josh Quinlan (6-1) initially secured a UFC contract with a convincing performance on the Contender Series against Logan Urban, only to have the victory overturned to a “No Contest” due to a failed drug test. However, he quickly regained momentum with a spectacular one-punch knockout of Jason Witt in his UFC debut. Despite his promising start, Quinlan struggled in his sophomore UFC bout against Trey Waters, ultimately suffering a decision defeat as he grappled with the issue of range.
Stepping in on relatively short notice to replace Yusaku Kinoshita, Quinlan faces off against the undefeated Danny Barlow (7-0), who earned his UFC contract with an impressive knockout victory over former CFFC champion Raheam Forest on the Contender Series. With four professional knockouts to his name, Barlow has showcased his finishing prowess in the octagon.
The key factor in this matchup is distance management. Quinlan’s proficiency in low kicks and power striking poses a threat to opponents within striking range. However, his previous bout revealed difficulties in closing the distance effectively. This poses a significant challenge against Barlow, who boasts an impressive 80-inch reach and adept range control.
Quinlan’s path to victory likely involves disrupting Barlow’s movement with well-timed low kicks and capitalizing on opportunities to engage in close-quarters combat. However, overcoming Barlow’s footwork and precise striking, particularly his left cross, presents a formidable challenge.
Ultimately, Barlow’s superior range management and striking accuracy are likely to dictate the pace of the fight, enabling him to secure a dominant victory through precise striking from the outside.
Prediction: Danny Barlow
Oban Elliott (9-2) had a mixed start to his professional career, going 4-2 before finding his stride with a noteable 4-0 run in Cage Warriors. His journey culminated in a tense bout on the Contender Series, where he narrowly escaped defeat against Kaik Brito to secure a UFC contract via majority decision. Despite his success, Elliott faces a tough challenge against Val Woodburn (7-1), who stands as a formidable opponent despite his recent setback.
Woodburn, known as “The Animal,” honed his skills in the Combat Night Pro circuit, amassing an impressive 7-0 professional record before stepping up on short notice for a bout at UFC 290, where he suffered a quick knockout loss. Despite this setback, Woodburn’s striking prowess is evident, with five of his wins coming by way of knockout.
In terms of physical attributes, Elliott holds a significant height advantage over Woodburn, standing four inches taller, although he concedes two inches in reach. Despite this, Elliott is favored in virtually every aspect of the matchup. He boasts a superior track record against tougher competition, possesses stronger boxing skills, and holds an edge in grappling ability.
Woodburn’s move to the welterweight division may not address his underlying weaknesses, particularly considering his muscular build. Elliott’s path to victory appears straightforward: avoid any careless mistakes and capitalize on his superior skill set to dominate the fight.
While Elliott faced adversity in his Contender Series bout, surviving a barrage from Brito, he showcased his resilience and ultimately emerged victorious. Comparatively, Woodburn is perceived as a lesser threat, suggesting that Elliott should secure a decisive victory in this matchup through a display of superior skills and strategy.
Prediction: Oban Elliot by Unanimous Decision
Andrea Lee (13-8) rode into the Octagon on a four-fight win streak, then extended it to seven with a trio of decision victories. “KGB” has since struggled to recapture that momentum, dropping six of eight in the last four years.
She’s submitted five professional foes and knocked out three others.
Miranda Maverick (14-5) saw a perfect (2-0) UFC start give way to two straight losses, one a robbery against Maycee Barber and the other a decisive defeat to Erin Blanchfield. “Fear The” went on to win three of her next four, most recently dominating Priscila Cachoeira at UFC 291.
She gives up three inches of height and four inches of reach to Lee.
As much of a bust as Lee turned out to be, she’s not without hope in this showdown. Maverick’s takedown defense is weirdly porous for a grappler of her caliber and her UFC victories — save for her decision over Gillian Robertson three years back — came over very limited opposition. If utilized properly, Lee’s striking and offensive wrestling could carry her to victory.
I just can’t trust “KGB” against wrestlers at this point in her career. She’s had plenty of her own takedown defense issues and Maverick strikes me as the stronger ground artist overall. Lee might still have the edge on the feet, but that can only do so much in the face of Maverick’s takedowns. When the dust settles, Maverick grapples her way to her second straight win.
Prediction: Miranda Maverick By Unanimous Decision
That wraps up our UFC 298 predictions and picks ahead of a thrilling event set to take place this Saturday. Which UFC 298 predictions do you agree and disagree with? Let us know in the comments!
