Ilia Topuria successfully defended his featherweight title after delivering a third-round knockout to Max Holloway during the main event of UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This event aired earlier in the day for U.S. viewers due to time differences.
With this victory, Topuria improved his record to 16 wins and no losses, with six of those victories coming via (T)KO. Despite lacking in reach and size compared to Holloway, Topuria showcased a well-balanced and strategic approach throughout the fight. Notably, this marked the first time Holloway was knocked out in his UFC career.
UFC 308 also set the stage for the next significant event, UFC 309, which will be headlined by Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, featuring the UFC World Heavyweight Championship on the line. The co-main event will see Charles Oliveira face Michael Chandler, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
In the main event between Topuria and Holloway, the first round saw a supportive crowd cheering for Topuria. Both fighters engaged in preliminary exchanges, but Topuria managed to take Holloway to the ground in the final seconds without being able to capitalize on it.
Holloway enjoyed a better start in the second round, having the upper hand in boxing exchanges. Statistics indicated that Holloway landed 35% of his significant strikes, while Topuria landed 43%. However, in the third round, Topuria delivered a powerful right hand that shook Holloway, following up with a left hook that sent Holloway down to the mat, making him the first fighter to knock out Holloway in the UFC.
In other notable bouts, Khamzat Chimaev submitted Robert Whittaker in the middleweight division, while Magomed Ankalaev defeated Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision. Lerone Murphy and Shara Magomedov also emerged victorious in their respective fights.
The event featured several high-profile attendees, including social media influencer Hasbulla and sports figures like Steve Harvey and Sergio Ramos.
UFC 308, held at the Etihad Arena, has drawn significant interest, with fans eager for the upcoming fights and results from the night.