Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Anaheim, California, USA. In this matchup on the fight card, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski will take on Ilia “El Matador” Fili in the Featherweight bout. You can view the complete UFC 298 card.

Volkanovski brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 71″ reach. In contrast, Fili, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 69″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 57% striking accuracy, Volkanovski has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 6.19 per minute. On the other hand, Fili boasts a 46% striking accuracy, landing approximately 4.44 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 36-year-old, Alexander Volkanovski is coming in with a 26-3-0 record. Volkanovski will be fighting for the first time since a loss via KO/TKO against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 in October.

Fili, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win against Alexander Volkanovski on October 21, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Topuria and holds a 14-0-0 record.

Alexander Volkanovski has a orthodox fighting stance with an 71″ reach. The 27-year-old Ilia Topuria is an orthodox fighter with a 69″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Alexander Volkanovski stats

→ Volkanovski’s striking accuracy is 57%.
→ Volkanovski lands 6.19 significant strikes per minute.
→ Volkanovski’s takedown accuracy is 37%.
→ Volkanovski’s takedown average is 1.84 per 15 minutes.
→ Volkanovski’s takedown defense is 70%.

Volkanovski comes in with 57% striking accuracy, typically landing about 6.19 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Fili fires at 46% accuracy, landing about 4.44 significant strikes per minute. Alexander Volkanovski also has a 37% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 1.84 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Fili’s 2.19 takedowns and 92% takedown accuracy.

Ilia Topuria stats

→ Fili’s striking accuracy is 46%.
→ Fili lands 4.44 significant strikes per minute.
→ Fili’s takedown accuracy is 56%.
→ Fili’s takedown average is 2.19 per 15 minutes.
→ Fili’s takedown defense is 92%.

Ilia spent, on average, 10:17 minutes in the Octagon, and Alexander has an average fight time of 16:18 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an interesting clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Alexander or Ilia? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 298 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.