Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski places his title on the road in opposition to undefeated Ilia Topuria within the UFC 298 essential occasion on Saturday.
If Topuria is ready to defeat “The Nice” it is going to trigger a serious shakeup of the 145-pound division. Volkanovski has held the title since late 2019. Fourth-ranked contender and former title challenger Brian Ortega expects an thrilling combat however says, ‘It is onerous to go in opposition to Volkanovksi.’
“I feel it is going to be a terrific combat. It at all times reaches a degree, even once I confronted Max [Holloway], I feel virtually on the identical time, 14-0, undefeated man, six fights. I feel has six finishes and everybody was like, ‘rattling, Otega this,’ and you then go up a stage, and you then face the champ,” Ortega instructed Shak MMA.
“There’s at all times that query of is he prepared or is he not. Skillfully, sure. He appears good in opposition to the folks he is confronted, technically sound, a full package deal on the subject of placing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, every little thing. You may’t have a look at him and say he has one full weak spot. Let’s exploit it. He would not have that. He is nicely standing, on the bottom, no matter,” Ortega continued.
“However I do imagine guys akin to Volk present, or have a unique sort of stage of chess sport and that is why these fights are wonderful to look at. You’ve gotten somebody who’s assured. Somebody who’s already talking like he is the champ and defended it 3 times after which you have got the man who’s already been on the high of the mountain simply kicking everybody down. This can be a good combat. Personally, whilst a fan, it is a good combat. Numerous questions shall be answered after this weekend. It is onerous to go in opposition to Volk.”
Ortega has been sidelined since July 2022 after struggling a shoulder damage throughout his combat with Yair Rodriguez. After having surgical procedure and going via the rehabilitation, Ortega is ready the return to motion in a rematch with Rodriguez at UFC Battle Night time 237 in Mexico Metropolis on Feb. 24.