Champion Ilia Topuria faced early challenges but ultimately achieved a spectacular third-round knockout against Hawaii’s Max Holloway, successfully defending his UFC featherweight title at UFC 308 held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
At just 27, Topuria managed to execute an early takedown but initially struggled to control the fight’s distance during the first two rounds. However, once he adapted, it became clear that Holloway was in trouble.
Holloway, who became the undisputed featherweight champion in June 2017 after defeating Jose Aldo but lost the title in December 2019, utilized a variety of striking techniques to keep Topuria at bay. Nonetheless, Topuria’s potent right hand remained a constant threat throughout the bout.
The turning point came when Topuria’s right hand initiated Holloway’s downfall, followed by a quick left that sent him crashing to the mat. Topuria then swiftly capitalized by delivering a flurry of blows until referee Marc Goddard intervened to stop the contest.
Topuria expressed respect for Holloway after the fight, noting, “With that right hand, I felt it. I just saw it with him, in his face, he started making some steps back, and you don’t see that often with Max.” This knockout marked Holloway’s first loss by knockout in his UFC career, as Topuria acknowledged Holloway’s influence on aspiring fighters, stating, “I hope I’m going to be a small portion of the example he has been for me, for the new generation.”
In the co-main event, Chechen fighter Khamzat Chimaev continued his unbeaten streak by showcasing his grappling skills, submitting former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round of their middleweight bout.
Chimaev rapidly took Whittaker down, exhibiting his formidable wrestling ability to dominate before taking his back and locking in a face crank. The maneuver appeared to dislocate Whittaker’s jaw, prompting an immediate tap with 1:26 remaining in the first round.
As a result, Chimaev is now expected to become the top contender for a title fight against South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship in early 2025, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.