Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria defended his title Saturday against former champion and No. 2 ranked Max Holloway in a striking-heavy matchup at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
Both fighters showcased their boxing skills across the opening two rounds, each landing significant shots and maintaining a competitive, difficult to score fight. However, in the third round, Topuria managed to land a powerful overhand right, wobbling Holloway and backing him up to the fence. Seizing the opportunity, Topuria followed with lengthy combination, punctuating the exchange with a sweeping left hook that sent Holloway crashing to the canvas. Topuria then followed up with ground-and-pound strikes, marking the first KO/TKO loss in Holloway’s illustrious 12-year UFC career.
Following the fight, former champion Alexander Volkanovski entered the cage for a face-off with Topuria, who won the belt from him this past February. UFC President Dana White later confirmed rumors of the rematch, and said that Volkanovski's next fight will be for the Featherweight belt.
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In the co-main event, No. 4 ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker faced rising star and No. 13 Khamzat Chimaev. Known for his relentless wrestling, Chimaev wasted no time and immediately shot for a double-leg takedown on Whittaker, quickly overpowering him. Once grounded, Chimaev’s pressure was unyielding as he controlled Whittaker throughout the first round. Toward the round’s end, Chimaev seized Whittaker’s back and secured a brutal submission attempt by applying pressure to Whittaker’s jaw, forcing a tap-out and reportedly caused serious damage; the commentary team later confirmed Whittaker had suffered a broken jaw and several displaced teeth from Chimaev’s crushing hold.
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Next month, on Nov. 16, the UFC will return to Madison Square Garden for UFC 309. The card is set to be headlined by champion Jon Jones and former champion Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight title bout.
