‘I’m literally done’: Dana White storms off podcast in first minute leaving host stunned
In the main event of UFC 298 tonight, Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria.
Volkanovski has been dominant at 145lbs and is seeking his sixth successful title defence, having stopped Yair Rodriguez in July, but that victory was sandwiched between two defeats at lightweight. In February, the Australian was outpointed by 155lbs champion Islam Makhachev, who knocked out Volkanovski in their October rematch.
That brutal result, which came after Volkanovski stepped in on short notice, has some fans fearing for the 35-year-old as he fights a younger, powerful and well-rounded challenger tonight. The unbeaten Topuria, 27, has 12 finishes from 14 wins, and the Georgian – who fights out of Spain – enters UFC 298 on the back of a dominant decision against Josh Emmett in June.
In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker faces ex-title challenger Paulo Costa. Whittaker is out to bounce back from July’s shock TKO loss to Dricus Du Plessis, who has since won the belt, while Costa last fought 18 months ago, outpointing former champion Luke Rockhold in a scrappy affair.
Follow live updates and results from the UFC 298 main card and prelims, below.
UFC 298 LIVE: Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera
Next up, Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera at bantamweight!
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:29
UFC 298 LIVE: Zhang Mingyang vs Brendson Ribeiro
Both men stand orthodox. A clean right cross gets through for Ribeiro, echoing throughout the arena.
More crisp, straight punches for the Brazilian now. An overhand whizzes by Zhang’s head.
OH!!! Out of nowhere, Zhang floors Ribeiro with a right hook then a left!
The Chinese fighter seals a TKO with hammer fists! His 100 per cent finish record stays intact!
Wowwww, what a start to the regular prelims.
Zhang Mingyang def. Brendson Ribeiro via first-round KO (strikes, 1:41)
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:19
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria
Our round-by-round updates start now, as Zhang Mingyang faces Brendson Ribeiro at light-heavyweight!
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:11
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria
Okay, everyone, here are the early-prelim results from UFC 298!
Danny Barlow def. Josh Quinlan via third-round TKO (1:18)
Oban Elliott def. Val Woodburn via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Miranda Maverick def. Andrea Lee via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Wales’ Oban Elliott with a successful UFC debut after an early knockdown scare!
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:04
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria
The regular prelims are just minutes away!
We’ll give you a round-up of the early-prelim results very shortly, and begin our round-by-round fight updates.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:55
UFC 298 LIVE: Exclusive interview with PFL boss on Francis Ngannou
And here is an exclusive interview from this week, when Indy Sport spoke to PFL chairman and founder Donn Davis about Francis Ngannou’s debut in the promotion:
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:50
UFC 298 LIVE: Michael ‘Venom’ Page interview
UFC 299 is right around the corner, set to take place just three weeks from tonight.
Ahead of that stacked card, Indy Sport interviewed Michael “Venom” Page yesterday, as the former Bellator star previewed his UFC debut and reflected on sparring with welterweight king Leon Edwards.
London fighter Page is due to face Kevin Holland at UFC 299.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:42
UFC 298 LIVE: Ilia Topuria has a question for you
And here’s a throwback interview, from when Indy Sport interviewed Topuria ahead of his win over Josh Emmett in June:
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:32
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski’s bravest move ever? Talking about his mental health
Here’s a piece from the fallout of Volkanovski’s loss to Islam Makhachev in October, when the Australian bravely discussed his mental health and how it had affected his in-ring activity:
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:21
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria betting tips
Check out The Independent’s betting tips for UFC 298 tonight:
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:10
