As the dust settles from UFC 298, the mixed martial arts world finds itself grappling with the aftermath of an electrifying event. From stunning upsets to career-defining moments, the night showcased the relentless pursuit of victory and the harsh realities of combat sports. Let’s delve into the aftermath and dissect the key takeaways from this memorable evening inside the octagon. Volkanovski’s Further Career in Jeopardy: Assessing the Featherweight Champion’s Decline Alexander Volkanovski’s reign as featherweight champion seems to have reached its end. Despite his remarkable four-year tenure and legendary rivalry with Max Holloway, his recent string of defeats suggests a decline. Two consecutive knockout losses within four months signal a dramatic shift for the once-dominant fighter. In his latest bout against Illia Topuria at UFC 298, Volkanovski appeared hesitant and a shadow of his former self, hinting at the inevitable toll of time catching up with him. Topuria’s Triumph: A New Featherweight Contender Emerges at UFC 298 Illia Topuria emerges as a legitimate contender. While he hasn’t faced other top-five contenders in the division, his resounding victory over Volkanovski solidifies his position. With notable wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and even heavier opponents like Jai Herbert, Topuria’s performance cements his status as a rising star in the 145-pound division. His potential impact may extend beyond the featherweight realm, possibly influencing the welterweight division long dominated by Volkanovski. Questioning Whittaker’s Chin: Analyzing Durability in the Octagon Robert Whittaker’s durability comes into question. Despite a commendable showing against Paulo Costa, Whittaker’s susceptibility to heavy hitters like Costa and Duplessis raises concerns. Costa’s repeated strikes in both the first and second rounds suggest Whittaker’s chin may not meet championship standards of resilience. Costa’s Contradictions: Balancing Brilliance with Inconsistency Paulo Costa displays flashes of brilliance but inconsistency mars his potential. While Costa exhibits undeniable brawling skills, his infrequent appearances in the octagon detract from his credibility. Despite delivering a formidable performance against Whittaker at UFC 298, Costa’s lack of activity in the division undermines his ability to pose consistent challenges to opponents. Merab Dvalishvili: A Worthy Contender for Championship Glory Merab Dvalishvili proves himself worthy of a title shot. With an impressive unbeaten streak and victories over formidable opponents like Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling prowess solidifies his status as a formidable force in the 135-pound division. His undeniable skill set warrants a shot at the title, potentially against the winner of the Chito vs. O’Malley matchup.