Ilia Topuria delivered a sensational performance at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, handing Max Holloway his first career knockout in the third round to retain the UFC featherweight title. The 27-year-old Spaniard floored Holloway with a thunderous left hook, marking a signature moment in his rise to the top of the division. This win follows Topuria’s knockout of former champion Alexander Volkanovski, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the featherweight ranks.
Throughout the fight, Topuria demonstrated his power and technique, initially applying pressure with leg kicks and scoring a takedown, while Holloway answered back with sharp jabs and counters. However, the momentum shifted definitively in the third round when Topuria connected with a crushing right hand, followed by a precise left hook that ended the fight. Topuria’s victory over Holloway, a former champion with records for the most wins (20) and finishes (11) in the featherweight division, showcased his prowess as the new star in the UFC.
Topuria celebrated his triumph with iconic style, gesturing to drink tea before leaping out of the octagon to join Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. He later shared a handshake with Volkanovski, hinting at a possible rematch. “To beat a legend like Max Holloway, it’s unbelievable. He inspired me so much,” Topuria said, calling himself part of the new generation in the UFC.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev extended his undefeated streak to 14 fights by defeating Robert Whittaker via submission. Chimaev quickly took down the former middleweight champion and, though unable to secure a rear-naked choke, applied enough jaw pressure for Whittaker to tap out. This decisive victory positions Chimaev as a prime contender to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.
