Ilia Topuria lived up to and exceeded expectations at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. The UFC featherweight champion made history by becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway, finishing the former 145-pound titleholder with a relentless barrage of punches in the third round.
Topuria began the bout by mimicking Holloway’s customary gesture of pointing to the center of the ring, signaling his eagerness to engage. The first round saw both fighters exchanging blows, with Topuria inflicting early damage through leg kicks to Holloway’s lead leg. In the second round, both fighters showcased their boxing abilities, with Holloway landing several significant punches. Nevertheless, it was Topuria’s leg kicks that appeared to progressively weaken Holloway throughout the fight.
In the third round, Topuria seized his chance and unleashed a powerful right hand that wobbled Holloway, causing him to stumble toward the cage. Seizing the moment, Topuria rushed in and delivered a crushing left hook that twisted Holloway’s head and sent him sprawling to the mat. While a few additional hammer fists followed, the contest was already decided, prompting the referee to intervene for Holloway’s safety at 1:34 of the round.
This marked Topuria’s first title defense since winning the belt with a second-round TKO of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on February 17. With consecutive victories over both Holloway and Volkanovski, Topuria has firmly established his case for Fighter of the Year. Volkanovski was present on Saturday, and Topuria expressed his desire to honor him with a rematch, stating, “You deserve that, you’re the man,” as Volkanovski entered the Octagon following the fight.
Topuria celebrated his win with Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos who was present with him throughout the fight week. Loved by Galactico fans around the world, Topuria made sure that Madrid fans had something to celebrate after Real Madrid’s humiliation by Barcelona on the same night.
Khamzat Chimaev makes light work of Robert Whittaker
Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev showcased yet another remarkable performance by submitting former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round of their middleweight bout at UFC 308, positioning himself for a title shot.
Chimaev quickly took control, utilizing his wrestling skills to overpower Whittaker before securing a face crank that dislocated Whittaker’s jaw, forcing him to submit just 3:34 into the fight. The finish was so strong that Whittaker’s jaw was severely damaged with his teeth completely displaced backwards.
This sensational victory marked Chimaev’s return to the octagon after a year-long absence; he had to withdraw from a scheduled matchup against Whittaker at the inaugural UFC Saudi Arabia event in June due to illness. With this win, Chimaev improved his undefeated record to 14 victories, with no draws or losses to his name.
UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway Results
- Main Event: Ilia Topuria defeats Max Holloway by knockout at 1:34 of the third round
- Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev defeats Robert Whittaker via submission (face crank) at 3:34 of round one
- Magomed Ankalaev defeats Aleksandar Rakić via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Lerone Murphy defeats Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Shara Magomedov defeats Armen Petrosyan by knockout at 4:52 of the second round
- Ibo Aslan defeats Rafael Cerqueira via TKO (strikes) at 51 secs of the first round
- Geoff Neal defeats Rafael Dos Anjos via TKO (injury) at 1:30 of the first round
- Mateusz Rebecki defeats Myktybek Orolbai via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
- Abus Magomedov defeats Bruno Ferreira via submission (arm triangle) at 3:14 of round three
- Kennedy Nzechukwu defeats Chris Barnett via TKO (strikes) at 4:27 of the first round
- Farid Basharat defeats Victor Hugo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ismail Naurdiev defeats Bruno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Rinat Fakhretdinov defeats Carlos Leal via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
