This Saturday, October 26, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi when the undefeated UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuriatakes to the octagon to defend his title for the first time against former champion and veteran of the sport, Max Hollowayin the main event of UFC 308. The action will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ PPV from 2 p.m. ET with preliminaries starting earlier in the day, at 10 a.m. ET .
This showdown promises to be an epic clash between two warriors who have proven to be the best of the best in the featherweight division. Topuria, known for his aggressive style and devastating power, comes into this fight with an unblemished 15-0 record. On the other hand, Holloway, a legend in his own right, looks to reclaim the crown that was once his.
Who Is Your Favorite?
According to bookmakers, Topuria enters as the favorite for this bout. After his impressive second-round knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski in February at UFC 298, “El Matador” has risen to third place in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings. Analysts note his explosiveness and ability to close space quickly, making him a dangerous opponent for any fighter.
For his part, Holloway is no easy opponent. With a 26-7 record, he’s ranked No. 10 in the pound-for-pound rankings and is on a three-fight win streak. The last time we saw him in action was at UFC 300where he knocked out Justin Gaethje in the fifth round of a war in the lightweight division. Despite not being at his natural weight, Holloway showed that his stamina and heart are still as strong as ever.
The UFC 308 Main Card
UFC 308 isn’t just about the main event. The card is packed with exciting fights that will keep fans on the edge of their seats from the first preliminary showdown to the main event bout. Here’s a look at the key matchups you can’t afford to miss:
- Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway: Featherweight Championship
- Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev : Middleweight
- Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige : Featherweight
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic : Light Heavyweight
- Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan : Middleweight
In addition, the preliminaries include explosive fights such as:
- Geoff Neal vs. Rafael Dos Anjos Welterweight
- Mateusz Rebecki vs. Myktybek Orolbai Lightweight : Lightweight
- Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel SantosMale Bantamweight
How to watch UFC 308?
If you’re in the United States, you can order the main event on ESPN+ PPV. For fans in Latin America, the best place to follow all the UFC action is Disney+, which offers access to the best fights and exclusive content for fans of the sport. If you don’t have access to ESPN, don’t worry, the FightCenter platform will also offer live updates for every fight on the UFC 308 card.
Topuria: A Hungry Champion
Ilia Topuria has emerged as one of the most exciting figures in the UFC. At only 27 years oldthe Georgian-Spanish fighter has proven to be one of the most complete fighters in the featherweight division. His decision victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298where he was crowned champion with a second round knockout , solidified his status as a true force in the octagon. This victory not only catapulted him to stardom, but made it clear that his reign as champion is just beginning.
Topuria has captured the attention of fans from around the world, especially the Hispanic community, who see in him a representation of multicultural pride. Born in Germany to Georgian parents and raised in Spain, Topuria has embraced his heritage and proudly carries the Georgian and Spanish flags in every bout. His dynamic style, able to adapt to multiple situations and attack from different angles, makes him a feared and respected opponent in the world of mixed martial arts.
Topuria’s next challenge will be on October 26, 2024 atUFC 308, when he takes on former champion Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi. Holloway, who has won three consecutive fights, is looking to regain his title, but Topuria is determined to prove that his reign is more than just a winning streak. This showdown promises to be an epic battle between two of the best fighters in the division, and the mixed martial arts world will be watching to see if Topuria can continue his path to greatness.
Holloway: The Legend Who Never Gives Up
Max Holloway is one of the most respected names in the UFC. As a former Featherweight Champion, his reign from June 2017 to December 2019 was one of the most dominant eras in the history of the division. Despite relinquishing his title, Holloway has shown that he still has a lot to offer the sport, racking up impressive victories in recent years.
Throughout his career, Holloway has starred in iconic moments, and while some believed his prime was behind him, his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 proved otherwise. With this win, Holloway not only reaffirmed his place among the best, but did so in a higher division. This ability to compete in multiple divisions makes him a formidable contender.
In addition to his success in the octagon, Holloway’s personal story is equally remarkable. Born in Honolulu and raised in Waianae, Hawaii, Max has overcome a difficult childhood, facing family adversity that included his parents’ addiction. Despite those challenges, he began training in kickboxing at the age of 15 years old and, with only three days of preparation, won his first amateur fight, demonstrating the fighting spirit that has characterized him throughout his career.
What Can We Expect from the Main Event?
The showdown between Topuria and Holloway will be a clash of generations, styles and legacies. Topuria, the young and undefeated champion, has power and speed on his side, while Holloway, the former monarch, brings a wealth of experience and a warrior’s heart that has taken him to the top on multiple occasions.
Many believe the fight will hinge on whether Holloway can withstand Topuria’s early explosiveness and take the fight into the later rounds, where his stamina can make the difference. However, if Topuria’s power prevails early on, we could be looking at another spectacular victory for the defending champion.
What is clear is that UFC 308 will be an unforgettable event that will offer action-packed fights and moments of high drama. So be sure to tune in and don’t miss any details of this epic night of fights.
