The fight was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. Saturday evening in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), the Hispano-Georgian Ilia Topuria retained his featherweight champion belt (-66 kg) by defeating the American Max Holloway by KO during the third round of the fight main of UFC 308. This had never happened to his opponent in more than 10 years of career and around thirty fights in this category.
The two fighters, who had insulted each other when entering the ring, then assumed their rank and offered a very spectacular fight. First more effective with his fists, the Hawaiian thought he had worn down his opponent but was knocked to the ground by a decisive left hook from Topuria, still undefeated after 16 fights. “I was ready, I have no excuse. He touched me, and it hurt more than I thought,” Holloway said bitterly as he left the ring.
As soon as his victory was obtained, the Hispano-Georgian launched a challenge to Alexander Volkanovski. The latter, holder of the belt from 2019 to 2024 before losing it last February against Topuria, had previously attended the fight alongside, in particular, ex-PSG defender Sergio Ramos. “We’re going to do it again in this fight, you’ve defended this belt five times, you deserve it,” he told the Australian when he stepped onto the octagon.
