Ilia Topuria successfully defended his featherweight title by knocking out Max Holloway in the third round during the UFC 308 main event held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event took place earlier in the day for U.S. viewers due to the time difference.
With this victory, Topuria’s record improves to 16 wins and no losses, marking his sixth win by (T)KO. While he may not have matched Holloway in reach or size, Topuria displayed a well-rounded and strategic fighting style. Notably, this was Holloway’s first knockout loss in his UFC career.
UFC 309 is set to feature Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, contending for the UFC World Heavyweight Championship, with Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler in the co-main event. This event will take place on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
In the Topuria vs. Holloway fight, the first round saw the audience rallying behind Topuria, with both fighters exchanging strikes, but Topuria ended the first round with a takedown attempt that was not capitalized on. In the second round, Holloway gained an advantage in their boxing exchanges, landing a higher percentage of significant strikes. However, in the third round, Topuria landed a powerful right hand that staggered Holloway before finishing him with a left hook, making Holloway the first fighter to be knocked out in the UFC by Topuria.
The event also featured Khamzat Chimaev’s swift submission victory over Robert Whittaker in the middleweight bout, where Whittaker appeared injured after the fight. Chimaev’s victory solidified his standing in the division.
An exciting matchup between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic unfolded with a unanimous decision victory for Ankalaev after a competitive three rounds. Meanwhile, Lerone Murphy defeated Dan Ige in another unanimous decision, highlighting a night filled with competitive bouts.
Several notable figures were present at the event, including social media star Hasbulla and popular celebrities such as comedian Steve Harvey and soccer player Sergio Ramos.
Other results from UFC 308 included Shara Magomedov winning by TKO against Armen Petrosyan, Rinat Fakhretdinov defeating Carlos Leal by unanimous decision, and Ismail Naurdiev winning his match against Bruno Silva also by unanimous decision.
The event exemplified a memorable night in combat sports, showcasing the talents of both rising stars and established fighters within the UFC.