A 13-fight card took place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, featuring a main event featherweight title fight between champion Ilia Topuria and former champion Max Holloway. Topuria, along with Khamzat Chimaev and Magomed Ankalaev, emerged as notable victors of the evening. Analysts Andreas Hale, Brett Okamoto, and Jeff Wagenheim shared their insights on the significant events of the night.
Ilia Topuria showcased an outstanding performance, defending his featherweight title for the first time against Holloway. With a stunning third-round knockout, Topuria achieved something that no previous fighter had managed against Holloway, who had never been knocked off his feet in his lengthy career. This victory not only solidified Topuria’s place in the sport but also positioned him as a contender for the greatest featherweight of all time, despite being just 27 years old. Following the fight, Topuria showed great respect for Holloway, calling him a “legend” and expressing his intent to be a role model for future generations of fighters. He also acknowledged Alexander Volkanovski as the most deserving contender for the next title shot, highlighting Volkanovski’s impressive title defenses.
Khamzat Chimaev, maintaining his undefeated status, submitted former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round, raising questions about his immediate title shot eligibility. Although the UFC had promised a rematch to Sean Strickland, Chimaev’s dominant performance highlighted his readiness for a shot at the title, especially given the notable nature of defeating Whittaker, who hadn’t been submitted in over a decade. Chimaev’s performance showcased his prowess and demand for a title opportunity, setting the stage for potential matchups in the future.
Magomed Ankalaev’s status remains uncertain, having previously been overlooked for title opportunities despite deserving a fight against current champion Alex Pereira. Ankalaev was involved in a split draw for the vacant title in 2022 and has since faced a slow road back to contention. His situation reflects the UFC’s sometimes unpredictable approach to matchmaking, as the promotion often prioritizes business interests alongside fighter merit.
Overall, UFC 308 not only highlighted the upcoming paths for Topuria, Chimaev, and Ankalaev but also set the tone for future championship scenarios in their respective divisions.