The UFC heads to California this weekend for a stacked pay-per-view card headlined by Alexander Volkanovski, who takes on undefeated featherweight challenger Ilia Topuria. In the co-main fellow Aussie Robert Whittaker meets Paulo Costa and Geoff Neal takes on Ian Garry. Former double champion Henry Cejudo also features on the card as he makes his return against top contender Merab Dvalishvili.
We take a look at my best bets on the UFC 298 card below!
UFC 298 Preview & Betting Tips
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski is the greatest there has ever been at 145 pounds and if he is to beat Ilia Topuria this weekend it is a fact no one will be able to dispute. The Aussie comes into this fight on the back of the worst loss of his career, a knockout defeat to Islam Makhachev. It is that loss that I believe is why the odds are pick em’ as there is more questions going into this fight than before about Volkanovski.
Topuria is going to be a serious test for Volkanovski. He is a threat everywhere and comes into this fight full of confidence and belief. ‘El Matador’ is a perfect 14-0 and has spent his six Octagon bouts walking down opponents with heavy shots before beating them into submission on the mat.
However, he faces a very different challenge this weekend. Volkanovski is incredibly difficult to get down and will chop at the legs of the Spaniard, whose tall stance makes his calves an irresistible target. I believe over five rounds, Topuria will become a punching bag for Volkanovski as his gas tank and body depletes. The truth is while Topuria is going to be tough test, especially in the early going, he isn’t better in any realm of the fight game than the people Volkonovski has faced as champion. At coin flip odds, I will be backing the Aussie to get it done once again.
Alexander Volkanovski to Win
$1.90 (3 Units)
Geoff Neal vs. Ian Garry
In a Welterweight showdown Geoff Neal takes on Ian Garry in a fight sure to provide plenty of big blows. Both men sit inside the top 10 and are riding strong momentum. The Irishman has been faultless in the Octagon, dispatching six straight foes, including Neil Magny, who is near impossible to put away.
Garry should hold the aces here as he dealt perfectly with Magny’s range and awkward style, picking him apart with low kicks before unloading with punches. While Neal is a devastating striker in his own right, he did far worse in his fight against Magny and has shown he is very hittable. I am not sure if Garry can get him out of there but I expect him to get his hand raised.
Ian Garry to Win
$1.48 (3 Units)
Oban Elliott vs. Val Woodburn
Oban Elliott makes his UFC debut here after a Contender Series win over Kaik Brito. He faces Val Woodburn, whose sole UFC bout was against Bo Nickal and the fact is he has no business being in the Octagon.
Simply this is Elliott’s fight to lose. He won’t be outworked or outgunned and as long as he avoids a telegraphed Woodburn overhand right he wins however he likes. He’s beaten much better competition than Woodburn, is the sharper boxer and far the better wrestler. Bank on Elliott.
Oban Elliott to Win
$1.40 (4 Units)
