Brian Ortega gives his Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria prediction

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski puts his title on the line against undefeated Ilia Topuria in the UFC 298 main event on Saturday.  

If Topuria is able to defeat “The Great” it will cause a major 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 exciting fight but says, ‘It’s hard to go against Volkanovksi.’

“I think it’s going to be a great fight.  It always reaches a point, even when I faced Max [Holloway], I think almost at the same time, 14-0, undefeated guy, six fights.  I think has six finishes and everyone was like, ‘damn, Otega this,’ and then you go up a level, and then you face the champ,” Ortega told Shak MMA.    

“There’s always that question of is he ready or is he not.  Skillfully, yes.  He looks good against the people he’s faced, technically sound, a full package when it comes to striking, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, everything.  You can’t look at him and say he has one full weakness.  Let’s exploit it.  He doesn’t have that.  He’s well standing, on the ground, whatever,” Ortega continued.    

“But I do believe guys such as Volk provide, or have a different type of level of chess game and that’s why these fights are amazing to watch.  You have someone who is confident.  Someone who is already speaking like he’s the champ and defended it three times and then you have the guy who’s already been at the top of the mountain just kicking everyone down.  This is a good fight.  Personally, even as a fan, it’s a good fight.  A lot of questions will be answered after this weekend.  It’s hard to go against Volk.”  

Ortega has been sidelined since July 2022 after suffering a shoulder injury during his fight with Yair Rodriguez.  After having surgery and going through the rehabilitation, Ortega is set the return to action in a rematch with Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 237 in Mexico City on Feb. 24.