Ilia Topuria has successfully defended his featherweight title by knocking out Max Holloway in the third round during the main event of UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The event took place earlier in the day for viewers in the United States due to the time zone difference. Following this victory, Topuria’s undefeated record improved to 16-0-0, with six of those wins coming from (T)KO. Despite a disadvantage in size and reach, Topuria displayed a versatile and calculated fighting style throughout the match. This knockout marked the first time Holloway faced defeat in the UFC by knockout.
The UFC 308 event featured several exciting matchups and results.
In another significant fight at UFC 308, Khamzat Chimaev tapped out Robert Whittaker in the first round, demonstrating his grappling prowess. Chimaev overwhelmed Whittaker early in the fight and secured a choke, leading to a quick submission victory.
The card featured notable attendees, including social media influencer Hasbulla, comedian Steve Harvey, and soccer star Sergio Ramos.
Magomed Ankalaev defeated Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision in a light heavyweight bout. Despite a competitive match, Ankalaev’s aggressive tactics in the later rounds earned him the judges’ favor.
In a closely contested featherweight bout, Lerone Murphy edged past Dan Ige, winning by unanimous decision after a back-and-forth fight.
Shara Magomedov remained undefeated by defeating Armen Petrosyan via TKO, delivering a double-spinning back fist that knocked Petrosyan down.
UFC 309 is set to follow, headlined by Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic competing for the UFC World Heavyweight Championship on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The event had a schedule that included pre-fight preliminaries, and the main card was streamed live on ESPN+. The pay-per-view event was priced at $79.99.
UFC 308 showcased several thrilling bouts, remarkable performances, and notable finishes, keeping fans engaged as the organization continues to deliver high-stakes MMA action.