BOBBLEHEAD SPORTS

Up to UFC 298 Alexander Volkanovski had five consecutive title defenses and was undefeated in the featherweight division, which is why people regard him as one of the greatest featherweights of all time if not the greatest. However, father time catches up to everyone.

Going into the bout, Volkanovski was favored by the books with -120 odds and Topuria was listed as +100 odds. Predictions from Forbes, CBS, and more all predicted Volk to win based on his stamina and ability to control the fight. Due to the odds being in Volk’s favor and comments from experts, a unanimous decision for Volk was a popular bet.

In the first round those who took Volk to win by decision must have been pleased as Volk landed 26 significant strikes to Topuria’s 13. Volk also landed 11% more efficiently in the first round. Despite this striking disparity, Topuria maintained composure and held the center of the Octagon, where his threat of power had Volk constantly on the move trying to stay just out of range.

Unfortunately for Volk, the second round was where Topuria shined. Topuria landed his significant strikes 13% more efficiently than Volk. Topuria landed a straight right hard at the end of the first minute of the round. This strike left Volk more aware of the power coming back and constant feints allowed Topuria to back Volk back up for the remainder of the round. Eventually Volk overextended on a jab with his back close to the fence and Topuria was able to counter and knock Volk out with a rear hook with a 1:30 left on the clock.

Watching these events unfold was not particularly shocking to me or the other Bobbleheads. Before the fight started, we had compared it to the scene in Cars where Jackson Storm passes McQueen and tells him to “enjoy retirement”.  After the age of 35, fighters tend to lose their touch and coming off a head kick KO from Islam Makhachev it seemed too great of a task for Volk. Whether he fights again or not Volk will go down as one of the greatest.

As for what’s next for Topuria, there is a lot that could happen. He called out Conor McGregor at the end of his fight, but this is highly unlikely as Conor will probably not cut to 145 at this stage in his life. A rematch with Volk is most likely because of how dominant Volk was as champion and dominant champs get rematches. Aside from Volk, match ups with Max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez are probably the most interesting due to the high level striking. Movsar Evloev (18-0) is one to watch out for as well.

The Volk era may have come to an end, but Volk put on some amazing performances while he reigned champion. It will be exciting to see what legacy Ilia Topuria can set for himself.