UFC 298 went down final night time (Sat., Feb. 17, 2024) inside Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., that includes a Featherweight title combat that noticed Ilia Topuria knockout Alexander Volkanovski within the second spherical to grow to be the brand new Featherweight champion of the world (highlights). In the co-main occasion, Robert Whittaker outclassed a recreation Paulo Costa to get a unanimous choice win (recap right here).

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Winner: Alexander Ilia Topuria

Who He Should Face Next: Movsar Evloev

If Alexander Volkanovski takes an extened break following his loss to Topuria, an instantaneous title shot might not be so as. Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega are ranked No. 2 and No. 4, respectfully, however the winner of the combat will simply be getting again into the win column, so that they want one other win or two so as to get into the championship image. As for Evloev, he has been placing in work and stays good at 18-0, which incorporates going 8-0 contained in the Octagon. His most up-to-date dominant win over Arnold Allen confirmed simply what sort of toughness and grit he’ll convey to the brand new champion, so he must be Topuria’s first problem.

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Winner: Robert Whittaker

Who He Should Face Next: Khamzat Chimaev

This one is difficult as a result of the second Israel Adesanya decides to come again he’ll get the following shot on the 185-pound strap that’s at the moment within the palms of Dricus Du Plessis. Jared Cannonier is at the moment on the mend from an ACL tear so he can be out of motion for fairly a while. That brings us to Chimaev. “Borz” has been pining for his likelihood to show his price of preventing for a UFC world title, and a win over Whittaker would get him there. Chimaev is at the moment sitting idle due to Ramadan, so he can be prepared to combat after someday in April. As for Whittaker, he’s firmly nonetheless a menace to win the title and can be coming in highly-confident following his dominant efficiency towards Paulo Costa.

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Winner: Merab Dvalishvili

Who He Should Face Next: O’Malley vs. Vera winner

This one is a no brainer. Dvalishvilli has been in line for a title combat for a while now, and now that he has a win over Cejudo it’s time to give him what’s rightfully his. Sean O’Malley is ready to defend his belt towards Marlon Vera within the main occasion of UFC 299 subsequent month, so if the winner of that title combat comes out injury-free we are able to count on them to defend someday in the summertime or in early fall.

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Winner: Ian Machado Garry

Who He Should Face Next: Sean Brady

After bettering to 14-0, 7-0 UFC following his huge win over Geoff Neal, Garry is in prime place to transfer up a few spots within the rankings. He was in line to face Vicente Luque as soon as earlier than an sickness eliminated him from the occasion, however it’s unlikely that Garry will need to re-visit that reserving if he strikes forward of Luque within the rankings. Garry additionally referred to as for a showdown towards Colby Covington, however I’m not feeling that matchup simply but. I very a lot favor a combat towards Brady for Garry, who’s at the moment sitting within the No. 6 spot.

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Winner: Anthony Hernandez

Who He Should Face Next: Ikram Aliskerov

Hernandez picked up his fifth straight win in Anaheim by submitting Roman Kopylov within the second spherical through rear-naked choke (see it right here). He now has 4 of 5 wins through stoppage, and he’s getting nearer to getting that ever-elusive rankings spot. He was supposed to face Aliskerov on this card earlier than an sickness pressured the sambo specialist out of the occasion. With Aliskerov on a seven-fight win streak and Hernandez on a formidable run of his personal, it solely is sensible to re-book this combat as quickly as attainable.

For full UFC 298 outcomes, protection, and highlights, click on HERE.