Betting Preview: Never Underestimate Alexander Volkanovski! MMAnytt.com

The featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, is set to defend his title against the unbeaten Ilia Topuria this Sunday night. With a stellar track record that boasts victories over icons like Max Holloway and Jose Aldo, the Australian has cemented his place as one of the all-time great featherweights. Despite concerns about his age, at 35, in a division that favours the young, Volkanovski’s recent performances suggest he’s far from done.

Here’s a look at the current betting odds from our partner Expekt

• Alexander Volkanovski to win: 1.77
• Ilia Topuria to win: 2.05

Age concerns for Volkanovski seem unfounded as he continues to dominate younger challengers, proving his prowess in the octagon against fighters like Chan Sung Jung and Yair Rodriguez, and showing resilience in his initial bout against Islam Makhachev. Despite his first UFC loss to Makhachev via a precise head kick, it’s premature to doubt Volkanovski’s capabilities.

For those looking to place bets, Volkanovski’s odds for winning by points stand at 3.55, and by KO, TKO, or DQ at 3.70, indicating potential value bets.

Ilia Topuria has a lot left to prove. His notable victory over Josh Emmett last June by points after five rounds was impressive, but beyond Emmett, his resume lacks ranked victories. Facing Volkanovski is a significant step up, and with the champion having cleared many contenders in the featherweight division, Topuria’s title shot comes amidst high expectations and skepticism.

Expekt is offering up to 1500 SEK in betting credits for new accounts, presenting an excellent opportunity for fans to get involved with the event.

MMAnytt Predictions:

MMAnytt’s analysis leans towards a dominant performance by Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Despite Ilia Topuria’s confidence and youth, he has shown vulnerabilities, notably in his fight against Jai Herbert where he was nearly finished. A victory for Volkanovski, possibly by a late-round stoppage, seems a plausible outcome.

• Alexander Volkanovski to win: 1.77
• Volkanovski by KO, TKO, or DQ: 3.70

This showdown at UFC 298 is more than just a fight; it’s a testament to Volkanovski’s legacy as a champion against a rising star in Topuria. As the betting odds suggest, while the champion is favored, the fight presents an intriguing matchup that has captured the attention of MMA fans and bettors alike.

Remember, betting should always be done responsibly, and players must adhere to the terms and conditions set by the betting platforms.