The UFC returned to the electrifying city of Abu Dhabi for UFC 308, an event that delivered plenty of action and high-stakes excitement.
Headlined by a much-anticipated featherweight title showdown between the undefeated champion Ilia Topuria and former champion Max Holloway, this card promised fireworks!
In the co-main event, the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev squared off against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
With such compelling matchups promised, UFC 308 did not disappoint! Now, let’s count down the top 3 finishes from this stunning event!
3. Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan
To kick things off, we have the middleweight clash between Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan.
Magomedov entered the octagon with an undefeated record of 9-0, while Petrosyan boasted a solid record of 8-2, making this bout crucial for both fighters as they aimed to climb the middleweight ranks.
The fight started with both fighters feeling each other out in round 1, but it didn’t take long for Magomedov to assert his dominance.
He landed several clean strikes early on, showcasing his striking acumen while keeping Petrosyan at bay.
Magomedov’s effective footwork and tactical prowess kept him out of trouble, allowing him to control the pace and dictate the action.
The momentum shifted decisively in the second round. At 4:49, Magomedov unleashed a spectacular double spinning backfist combo that sent Petrosyan crashing to the canvas.
Observing Petrosyan was unable to defend himself, the referee intervened and stopped the fight at 4:52.
This victory not only earned “Bullet” another KO victory but also a Performance of the Night bonus.
2. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker
Next up is the highly anticipated co-main event featuring Khamzat Chimaev taking on Robert Whittaker.
Having last fought in a year and 5 days, Chimaev returned to the Octagon undefeated at 12-0, facing the former middleweight champion Whittaker, who came in with a 24-7 record.
As the fight commenced in round 1, Chimaev wasted no time, immediately pressuring Whittaker with his relentless style.
Just 30 seconds into the fight, he secured a takedown and quickly took Whittaker’s back.
At 3:34, Chimaev locked in a face crank, breaking Whittaker’s jaw in the process. This performance not only earned Chimaev a Performance of the Night bonus, but it also solidified Chimaev’s status as a top 185 lb contender as he is now the no.3 ranked middleweight contender.
1. Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
Topping our list is the exhilarating main event for the undisputed featherweight title, where Ilia Topuria faced off against Max Holloway.
Fresh off his KO victory of Alexander Volkanovski, the new champion Topuria entered the bout with an impressive, undefeated record of 14-0, while Holloway, a seasoned veteran, boasted a 26-7 record, seeking redemption and a chance to reclaim his title.
The championship fight started with both fighters exchanging heavy blows. Topuria quickly found his rhythm, securing a takedown at 1:25 and landing a hard left hook at 3:15 that visibly staggered Holloway.
Despite Holloway using his signature volume striking and keeping Topuria at bay with his kicks, Topuria’s precision and timing gave him the edge in the opening round.
As the second round unfolded, Topuria maintained his pressure, landing calf kicks as he continued using his trademark boxing.
Although Holloway continued landing from a distance on Topuria, his footwork was gradually becoming affected by Topuria’s calf kicks.
In the third round, Topuria’s striking prowess shone through. At 1:12, he landed a huge right hand that allowed him to unleash a barrage of punches on the former champ.
Seizing the moment, Topuria knocked Holloway down with a clean left hook at 1:30. He continued with ground and pound, prompting the referee to stop the contest at 1:34.
Becoming the first man to knock out Max Holloway, Topuria successfully defended his title and showcased his elite skills while earning a fabulous Performance of the Night bonus!
