This Saturday, October 26, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi as undefeated UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria steps into the Octagon to defend her title for the first time against former champion and veteran of the sport, Max Holloway. in the main event of UFC 308. The action will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena and will stream live on ESPN+ PPV starting at 2 p.m. ET, with the prelims starting earlier at 10 a.m. ET.
This matchup promises to be an epic clash between two warriors who have proven themselves 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 record of 15-0. On the other hand, Holloway, a legend in his own right, seeks to reclaim the crown that was once his.
Who Is Your Favorite?
According to the bookmakers, Topuria enters as the favorite for this fight. Following 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 highlight his explosiveness and his ability to close space quickly, making him a dangerous opponent for any fighter.
For its part, Holloway is not an easy opponent. With a record of 26-7, he is No. 10 in the pound-for-pound rankings and is on a three-game winning streak. The last time we saw him in action was at UFC 300, where 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.
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 matchup to the main event. Here’s a look at the key matchups you can’t miss:
- Lia 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
Additionally, the preliminaries include explosive fights such as:
- Geoff Neal vs. Rafael Dos Anjos: Welterweight
- Mateusz Rebecki vs. Myktybek Orolbai : Lightweight
- Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos: Men’s Bantamweight
How To Watch UFC 308?
If you’re in the United States, you can order the main event via 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 Champion With Hunger
Ilia Topuria has emerged as one of the most exciting figures in the UFC. At only 27 years old, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has proven to be one of the most complete fighters in the Featherweight Division. His decisive victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he was crowned champion with a second-round knockout, solidified his status as a true force inside 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 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 fight. His dynamic style, capable of adapting to multiple situations and attacking 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 at UFC 308, when he faces former champion Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi. Holloway, who has won three consecutive bouts, is looking to regain his title, but Topuria is determined to prove that his reign is more than a winning streak. This matchup 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 That 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 giving up his title, Holloway has proven that he still has a lot to offer the sport, racking up impressive victories in recent years.
Throughout his career, Holloway has had iconic moments, and although some believed that his best moment had already passed, his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 proved otherwise. With this victory, Holloway not only reaffirmed his place among the best, but he did so in a higher category. 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 notable. Born in Honolulu and raised in Waianae, Hawaii, Max has overcome a difficult childhood, facing family adversity that included his parents’ addiction. Despite these challenges, he began training in kickboxing at the age of 15 and, with just 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 beatdown 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 vast experience and a warrior’s heart that has taken him to the top on multiple occasions.
Many believe the fight will depend on whether Holloway can withstand Topuria’s early explosiveness and carry the fight into the later rounds, where his stamina can make the difference. However, if Topuria’s power prevails from the start, we could be looking at another spectacular victory from the reigning 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 make sure you tune in and don’t miss any details of this epic night of fights.
