UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defended his title with an impressive third-round knockout victory over Max Holloway in the UFC 308 main event at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Known for his perfect fight record, Topuria (16-0) achieved an unforgettable milestone, becoming the first fighter to knock out Holloway.
The fight started with Topuria urging Holloway to meet him head-on in the center of the octagon, sparking a back-and-forth exchange of intense strikes to the head and body. As the bout progressed, Topuria’s fierce pace and unyielding pressure dominated. In the third round, a left hook from Topuria dropped Holloway, and a series of follow-up strikes forced the referee to call the fight at 1:34, securing Topuria’s victory.
In the co-main event, rising star Khamzat Chimaev maintained his perfect 14-0 record, submitting former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round, leaving Whittaker at 26-9.