The UFC has just released the official poster for the UFC 308 event, highlighting what promises to be one of the most explosive lineups of the year. Scheduled for October 26, 2024 at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, this event is shaping up to be a must-see for mixed martial arts fans around the world. Featuring a featherweight title fight between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and UFC veteran Max Holloway, and a co-headliner marking the return of Khamzat Chimaev, the poster previews the excitement to come.
Ilia Topuria: The Rising Star
At just 27 years old, Ilia Topuria has already established himself as a dominant force in the UFC’s featherweight division. Undefeated in both his professional career (15-0) and in the UFC (7-0)Topuria was crowned featherweight champion earlier this year with a knockout victory over veteran champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. That win instantly catapulted him to stardom, becoming the first fighter to defeat Volkanovski in a featherweight fight.
Born in Germany to Georgian parents, Topuria moved to Georgia at age seven and then to Spain at 15, where he began his meteoric rise in the martial arts. With an impressive blend of grappling and knockout power, he has quickly become one of the most dangerous fighters in the 145-pound division.
Max Holloway: Legend
Max Holloway needs no introduction to MMA fans. The former featherweight champion (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) held the division title from 2017-2019, successfully defending it three times. Known for his relentless pace, precision boxing and steely jaw, Holloway has built a legacy as one of the best featherweights of all time. After losing the title to Volkanovski, Holloway has come back with three consecutive victories, most recently capturing the “BMF” belt at UFC 300.
Holloway’s experience, combined with his striking prowess, presents a significant challenge for Topuria. However, at 32 years old, many are wondering if years of tough Octagon battles are starting to take their toll on the Hawaiian fighter. Nevertheless, if anyone can rise to the occasion and beat a young champion, it’s Holloway.
UFC 308: More than just the main event
While the focus is on the featherweight title fight, UFC 308 boasts one of the deepest lineups of the year. The co-main event features former middleweight champion Robert Whittakertaking on undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in what many believe will be a number one contender’s fight. Whittaker, long considered one of the best middleweights in the world, is looking to get back into title contention. Meanwhile, Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has captured the attention of the MMA world with his dominant wrestling and powerful striking, despite having fought only four times in the last three years.
Also appearing on the card is a heavyweight clash between former interim champion Ciryl Gane and perennial contender Alexander Volkov. In addition, light heavyweightsMagomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic will square off in what could be a potential title eliminator.
The complete list of cards includes:
Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – Featherweight title fight
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker – Co-starring event, middleweight clash
Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov – Heavyweight fight
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic – Light-heavyweight fight
Shara Magomedov vs Armen Petrosyan – Middleweight fight
Dan Ige vs Lerone Murphy – Featherweight Bout
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Geoff Neal – Welterweight Fight
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki – Lightweight fight
Said Nurmagomedov vs.Daniel Santos – Bantamweight fight
These matchups further solidify UFC 308 as an event packed with star power and high-stakes fights. The presence of five current or former UFC champions ensures that the Oct. 26 lineup in Abu Dhabi will attract significant attention from MMA fans around the world.
A must-see event
With the official poster already released, the excitement surrounding UFC 308 is palpable. Headlined by the highly anticipated clash between Topuria and Holloway, and featuring several other major matchups, the event is set to be one of the highlights of the UFC 2024 calendar.
For Ilia Topuria, this is a chance to further cement himself as the next great featherweight champion, while Max Holloway will look to reclaim the title that once made him a legend. Regardless of the outcome, UFC 308 promises to be a night full of exciting action that no MMA fan will want to miss.
