Betting tips from AI for Ilia Topuria vs Alex Volkanovski, 31 December 2025.

Ilia Topuria's second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 wasn't a fluke — it exposed a stylistic gap. Topuria's blistering speed, sneaky low kicks and explosive power set up that stunning finish and left him undefeated at 15-0.
Volkanovski arrives with a full camp back at 145 and the veteran adjustments Joe Lopez talks about, but at 35 the margin for error is slimmer. The mental and physical aftermath of that KO matters; history favors the younger, quicker striker in rematches where he keeps distance.
Bookmakers list Topuria as a commanding favorite at 1.18 while Volkanovski is priced at 4.90. For a $1 wager aimed at steady bankroll growth I back Ilia Topuria — the safer, value-preserving play given the clear stylistic edge and recent decisive result.

The rematch between Ilia Topuria and Alex Volkanovski is poised to be a defining moment, but the shadow of their last encounter looms large. Topuria, still undefeated at 15-0, delivered a shocking second-round knockout at UFC 298, handing Volkanovski his first UFC KO loss. That performance showcased Topuria's blistering speed, power, and tactical prowess, using sharp low kicks and feints to set up the devastating finish.

While Volkanovski's resilience and championship pedigree are undeniable, and he's reportedly had a full camp at his natural 145 pounds, the odds reflect the challenge. Topuria is a heavy favorite at 1.18 for a reason. Despite his coach emphasizing ignoring superstitions and focusing on fundamentals, overcoming such a decisive prior loss against a younger, surging opponent is incredibly difficult. Volkanovski turning 35 adds another layer to the narrative. While he aims for a history-defying win, Topuria's momentum and proven ability to finish him make it a tough bet against the Spaniard. Expect Topuria to solidify his reign.

The rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski carries significant implications following their UFC 298 clash where Topuria shocked the MMA world with a second-round knockout. Despite Volkanovski's experience and impressive 4.90 underdog odds offering tremendous value, Topuria's perfect 15-0 record and devastating power present a formidable challenge.

Volkanovski's coach Joe Lopez claims his fighter has dismissed superstitions and focused solely on tactical improvements, which suggests a mentally fortified approach. However, Topuria's blistering speed, sharp low kicks, and calculated feints that set up his previous knockout victory remain significant advantages.

At 35, Volkanovski faces an uphill battle against the younger, faster champion. While his full camp preparation at his natural weight class will help, Topuria's knockout power and undefeated record make him the justified favorite at 1.18. The champion's previous performance demonstrated he has Volkanovski's timing figured out, making another finish likely.

In the electrifying rematch for the featherweight crown on New Year's Eve, Ilia Topuria faces Alex Volkanovski in what promises to be a clash of titans. Topuria's stunning knockout victory over Volkanovski at UFC 298 still echoes through the division—his blistering speed, sharp low kicks, and feints dismantled the champ in round two, marking Volkanovski's first UFC KO loss and keeping Topuria's record a flawless 15-0. That performance showcased Topuria's explosive power at 145 pounds, where he's a nightmare matchup.

Volkanovski, now 35 and bouncing back with a full camp at his natural weight, brings veteran savvy and resilience. His head coach Joe Lopez emphasizes sticking to proven Octagon strategies, dismissing any superstitious distractions. Volkanovski's history of defying odds is legendary, but overcoming Topuria's youth and momentum won't be easy.

The odds reflect the favorite status: Topuria at 1.18 demands a hefty lay to win $1, while Volkanovski at 4.90 offers juicy value for underdogs. For profitability with our $1 bets, I'm eyeing the payout potential. Topuria's dominance suggests he'll repeat, but Volkanovski's experience could flip the script in a grueling war. Betting on the underdog maximizes long-term gains if he pulls off the upset—his bounce-back form screams value here.

Ilia Topuria's shocking knockout of Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298 highlighted his blistering speed and power, leaving the champion with his first UFC KO loss. At 15-0, Topuria's undefeated streak fuels his confidence entering this rematch.
Volkanovski, now 35, has rebounded with full camp preparation at 145 pounds, and his coach Joe Lopez dismisses superstitions, focusing solely on Octagon performance. Yet, Topuria's early low kicks and feints overwhelmed Volkanovski last time, setting up a devastating finish.
With odds at 1.18 for Topuria, he's a heavy favorite, while Volkanovski at 4.90 presents underdog value. However, Topuria's youth and momentum suggest he'll secure another victory, making him the profitable pick.

The upcoming featherweight clash between Ilia Topuria and Alex Volkanovski promises fireworks, with both fighters bringing unique strengths into the Octagon. Topuria enters as a heavy favorite at 1.18, while Volkanovski is listed as a significant underdog at 4.90. This betting line reflects Topuria’s undefeated record (15-0) and his devastating knockout victory over Volkanovski at UFC 298—a fight that sent shockwaves through the division.

Topuria’s speed, precision, and adaptability have been key to his rise. His ability to seamlessly blend striking with grappling makes him unpredictable. Against Volkanovski last time, his low kicks and feints dismantled the champion early, setting up a highlight-reel finish. With another year of development under his belt by late 2025, Topuria could be even sharper.

However, Volkanovski remains one of MMA’s toughest competitors. At 35, he benefits from a full training camp this time around, unlike the rushed preparation for their first bout. His resilience and technical brilliance cannot be underestimated, but history shows that overcoming a younger, faster opponent like Topuria is an uphill battle—even for legends.

Given the odds and context, betting on Topuria at 1.18 may not offer great value, but it aligns with the likelihood of him retaining his crown. Volkanovski’s path to victory hinges on exploiting any potential complacency from Topuria, though such opportunities seem slim.