‘I’m actually completed’: Dana White storms off podcast in first minute leaving host shocked
In the primary occasion of UFC 298 tonight, Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title in opposition to Ilia Topuria.
Volkanovski has been dominant at 145lbs and is searching for his sixth profitable title defence, having stopped Yair Rodriguez in July, however that victory was sandwiched between two defeats at light-weight. In February, the Australian was outpointed by 155lbs champion Islam Makhachev, who knocked out Volkanovski of their October rematch.
That brutal consequence, which got here after Volkanovski stepped in on brief discover, has some followers fearing for the 35-year-old as he fights a youthful, highly effective 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 again of a dominant choice in opposition to Josh Emmett in June.
In the co-main occasion, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker faces ex-title challenger Paulo Costa. Whittaker is out to bounce again from July’s shock TKO loss to Dricus Du Plessis, who has since received the belt, whereas Costa final fought 18 months in the past, outpointing former champion Luke Rockhold in a scrappy affair.
Follow stay updates and results from the UFC 298 essential card and prelims, under.
UFC 298 LIVE: Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera
Vera rapidly pulls guard, and the gang is just not blissful about that!
Vera is doing a greater job at proscribing Nakamura than he did in spherical one.
But ultimately Nakamura is ready to cross guard and take the again, the place he tries a rear bare choke!
Vera is ready to twist and escape the submission, however Nakamura nonetheless has his again.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:51
UFC 298 LIVE: Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera
A frantic opening sequence sees each males scramble, with Vera attempting a leg lock whereas Nakamura stands over him.
Nakamura scrambles properly and takes the again, the place he throws a great knee to the physique. He stands and throws a couple of onerous punches from above, and he’s getting via with ease!
Vera throws up an armbar, to no avail, earlier than attempting once more for a leg lock after Nakamura escapes the primary submission try.
Another escape for Nakamura, who once more finds himself on high and raining down punches. Good up-kick from Vera, however he eats one other punch. Nakamura slides into aspect management.
The grappling alternate sees Nakamura enter Vera’s closed guard, however the Japanese fighter decides to face and launch some extra floor and pound.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:44
UFC 298 LIVE: Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera
Next up, Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera at bantamweight!
After a little bit of a wait, the fighters are within the Octagon, and we’re nearly able to go.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:29
UFC 298 LIVE: Zhang Mingyang vs Brendson Ribeiro
Both males stand orthodox. A clear proper cross will get via for Ribeiro, echoing all through the world.
More crisp, straight punches for the Brazilian now. An overhand whizzes by Zhang’s head.
OH!!! Out of nowhere, Zhang flooring Ribeiro with a proper hook then a left!
The Chinese fighter seals a TKO with hammer fists! His 100 per cent end document stays intact!
Wowwww, what a begin to the common prelims.
Zhang Mingyang def. Brendson Ribeiro through first-round KO (strikes, 1:41)
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:19
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria
Our round-by-round updates begin now, as Zhang Mingyang faces Brendson Ribeiro at light-heavyweight!
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:11
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria
Okay, everybody, listed below are the early-prelim results from UFC 298!
Danny Barlow def. Josh Quinlan through third-round TKO (1:18)
Oban Elliott def. Val Woodburn through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Miranda Maverick def. Andrea Lee through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Wales’ Oban Elliott with a profitable UFC debut after an early knockdown scare!
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 01:04
UFC 298 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Topuria
The common prelims are simply minutes away!
We’ll provide you with a round-up of the early-prelim results very shortly, and start our round-by-round fight updates.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:55
UFC 298 LIVE: Exclusive interview with PFL boss on Francis Ngannou
And right here is an unique interview from this week, when Indy Sport spoke to PFL chairman and founder Donn Davis about Francis Ngannou’s debut within the promotion:
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:50
UFC 298 LIVE: Michael ‘Venom’ Page interview
UFC 299 is correct across the nook, set to happen simply three weeks from tonight.
Ahead of that stacked card, Indy Sport interviewed Michael “Venom” Page yesterday, as the previous Bellator star previewed his UFC debut and mirrored on sparring with welterweight king Leon Edwards.
London fighter Page is because of face Kevin Holland at UFC 299.
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:42
UFC 298 LIVE: Ilia Topuria has a query for you
And right here’s a throwback interview, from when Indy Sport interviewed Topuria forward of his win over Josh Emmett in June:
Alex Pattle18 February 2024 00:32
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