UFC 308 Recap

 

UFC 308 Recap: Topuria Knocks Out Holloway, Chimaev Submits Whittaker in Dominant Event The UFC 308 event, held on October 26, 2024, at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, showcased a night of intense fights and significant outcomes for several divisions. In the main event, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria solidified his dominance by knocking out Max Holloway in the third round. This victory was historic, as it marked the first time Holloway, a former champion with a reputation for endurance, had ever been finished by KO. The fight highlighted Topuria’s evolving prowess, as he overwhelmed Holloway with sharp striking before delivering the decisive blow in the third round, ensuring the championship belt remained firmly around his waist.  

 In the co-main event, middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev faced former champion Robert Whittaker. Known for his wrestling, Chimaev made quick work of Whittaker, taking him down early and securing a submission via neck crank just under four minutes into the first round. This victory sets Chimaev up as a likely title challenger, as his performance showcased both his grappling dominance and striking power.  

 Elsewhere on the main card, light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev won a decision over Aleksandar Rakic, moving closer to a title shot in his division. Featherweight Lerone Murphy bested Dan Ige, and Shara Magomedov delivered a thrilling TKO victory over Armen Petrosyan, further establishing his presence in the middleweight division. The undercard also featured several compelling bouts, with highlights including Mateusz Rebecki’s split decision over Myktybek Orolbai, Ibo Aslan’s first-round TKO of Raffael Cerqueira, and Geoff Neal’s victory over Rafael dos Anjos via a TKO due to injury. With seven stoppages across thirteen fights, UFC 308 underscored the power and skill of its rising stars, signaling a promising shift in the UFC's competitive landscape.