ABU DHABI: Featherweight champion Ilya Topuria defeated Max Holloway at No. 2 on a strong card for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
The co-main event will feature a clash of top middleweights: No. 3-ranked contender Robert Whittaker and No. 11-ranked Khamjat Chimaev in a five-round matchup with title implications.
As well as being the second UFC event in Abu Dhabi this year, UFC 308: Topuria v Holloway on October 26 marks a milestone as the 20th event hosted by the leading global MMA brand in the UAE over the past decade.
In 10 years, the fastest-growing sport in the world has seen new and established fans as global MMA talent enter the Middle Eastern stage and enter the Octagon. From international UFC icons such as Conor McGregor to homegrown MMA athlete Mohammed Yahya making his UFC debut, the region has experienced a series of historic UFC events, contributing to the development of the sport in the Middle East and an important addition to Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar.
Topuria (15-0-0, fighting out of Georgia and Spain) aims to defend his featherweight title against world-class striker Holloway, and boasts nine first-round finishes and a resume that includes featherweight title wins over UFC legend Alex Volkanovsky. earlier this year.
Holloway (26-7-0, fighting out of Hawaii, USA), entered the Octagon in Abu Dhabi to defeat Justin Gaethje for the fan-favourite BMF title at UFC 300 – one of only three BMF titles to date. to be rewarded. Holloway sets his sights on regaining the featherweight title this October.
Whittaker (26-7-0, NSW, fighting out of Australia), fresh off his win against Ikram Aliskerov at the UFC's inaugural event in Saudi Arabia, will aim to defend his winning streak and mark his legacy in the middleweight division. – The long-awaited matchup against Chimaev comes to fruition.
Chimaev (13-0-0, fighting out of UAE), entered the Octagon with a career-defining win against Kamaru Usman. With six wins by knockout, five by submission and eight in the first round, all eyes are on Chimaev as he aims to continue his undefeated streak.
