The UFC has crowned a new featherweight champion: Ilia Topuria, who knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round in a shocking manner. Volkanovski, who had successfully defended his title five times, suffered his first loss in the featherweight division—a division he dominated for five years. Topuria now joins the ranks of featherweight champions in the UFC, alongside Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski. With UFC 298 concluded, here are the major takeaways from an unexpected fight night:
Ilia Topuria Is No Fluke
All week, Topuria confidently claimed he would defeat Volkanovski, a statement that seemed arrogant given Volkanovski’s status as possibly the greatest champion the featherweight division has ever seen, with Jose Aldo being the other contender for that title. However, Topuria had demonstrated his capabilities in his last two fights against Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett, defeating two of the most promising fighters in the featherweight division. Throughout the buildup to the fight with Volkanovski, Topuria taunted him, repeatedly taking his belt and vowing to end his career. Topuria then lived up to his bold words, easily defeating the champion with a second-round knockout that ended Volkanovski’s reign.
Is Alexander “The Great” Past His Prime?
The UFC is unforgiving; champions can quickly find themselves dethroned. Volkanovski had dominated the featherweight division for years without facing significant challenges. It had become so routine for him that he moved up to the lightweight division to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship belt. In their first encounter, Volkanovski lost a decision that many believed he had won. He then accepted a rematch with Makhachev on short notice and was TKO’d—the first knockout loss of his career.
Now, having been knocked out by Topuria in his own weight class, which he had dominated for four years, questions arise about his future. The short-notice fight against Makhachev may have been a strategic mistake. Being an extremely active champion at 35, concerns have been raised that Volkanovski has not allowed his body sufficient rest. Facing Makhachev on short notice and then defending his title against a fighter of Topuria’s caliber may have been too taxing. Volkanovski’s surprising defeat recalls Kamaru Usman’s downfall, who, after being knocked out by Leon Edwards, struggled against the division’s top contenders. It remains to be seen whether Volkanovski will follow a similar path to Usman, with his best days possibly behind him.
Henry Cejudo to Retire?
After losing a decision to Merab Dvalishvili, Cejudo removed his gloves, a gesture often signaling retirement. Cejudo, who had previously lost to Aljamain Sterling, now faced defeat against his training partner Dvalishvili. Dana White has announced that Dvalishvili will receive an immediate title shot at the flyweight championship, a chance he had deferred while his friend and training partner Sterling held the title.
Ian Garry Eyes Colby Covington
Garry won a split decision over Geoff Neal and wasted no time in calling out Colby Covington, expressing his desire to end Covington’s career in an interview with Joe Rogan post-fight. Covington, currently on a three-fight losing streak, having been defeated twice by Usman and once by Leon Edwards, is now in Garry’s sights. A victory over Covington would position Garry as a championship contender and bring the welterweight championship belt within reach. Despite the close nature of his fight with Neal, Garry has consistently found ways to win against top competitors. Garry is now poised to challenge for the title, aiming to become the second Irish champion in UFC history, following in Conor McGregor’s footsteps.
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