The UFC has just dropped the official poster for UFC 308, highlighting what promises to be one of the most explosive cards of the year. Slated for October 27, 2024, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the event is shaping up to be a must-watch for fight fans across the globe. With a headlining featherweight title fight between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and UFC veteran Max Holloway, and a co-main event featuring the return of Khamzat Chimaev, the poster hints at the excitement in store.
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Ilia Topuria: The Rising Star
At just 27 years old, Ilia Topuria has already cemented himself as a force in the UFC’s featherweight division. Undefeated in both his professional (15-0) and UFC career (7-0), Topuria captured the featherweight title in stunning fashion earlier this year with a knockout victory over long-time champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. That victory marked the first time anyone had defeated Volkanovski in a featherweight bout, instantly catapulting Topuria into stardom.
Born in Germany to Georgian parents, Topuria relocated to Georgia at age seven and later moved to Spain at 15. It was in Spain where his martial arts journey took off, leading to his meteoric rise in the UFC. With an impressive mix of grappling and knockout power, Topuria has quickly become one of the most dangerous fighters in the 145-pound division. His unique blend of aggression and technical skill makes him a difficult puzzle for any opponent, and his undefeated record speaks to that.
Topuria’s first title defense, set for UFC 308, will be against none other than Max Holloway, a former featherweight champion and one of the division’s most beloved fighters.
Max Holloway: The Legend
Max Holloway needs no introduction to MMA fans. The former featherweight champion (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) held the division’s title from 2017 to 2019, defending it successfully three times. Known for his relentless pace, boxing precision, and granite chin, Holloway has built a legacy as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. Since losing the title to Volkanovski in their trilogy bout, Holloway has bounced back with three consecutive wins, most recently capturing the “Baddest Motherf***er” (BMF) belt at UFC 300.
Holloway’s experience, combined with his striking acumen, presents a significant challenge for Topuria. However, at 32, many wonder if the years of wars inside the Octagon may be catching up with the Hawaiian fighter. Nevertheless, if anyone can rise to the occasion and upset a young champion, it’s Holloway.
UFC 308: More Than Just the Main Event
While the spotlight is on the featherweight title fight, UFC 308 boasts one of the deepest cards of the year. The co-main event features former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in what many believe will be a number-one contender’s bout. Whittaker, long considered one of the top middleweights in the world, is looking to climb back into title contention. Meanwhile, Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has captured the MMA world’s attention with his dominant wrestling and powerful striking, despite only fighting four times in the past three years.
Also featured on the card is a heavyweight clash between former interim champion Ciryl Gane and perennial contender Alexander Volkov. Additionally, light heavyweights Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic will meet in what could be a potential title eliminator.
The full card lineup includes:
Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – Featherweight title bout
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker – Co-main event, middleweight clash
Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov – Heavyweight bout
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic – Light heavyweight bout
Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan – Middleweight bout
Dan Ige vs. Lerone Murphy – Featherweight bout
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Geoff Neal – Welterweight bout
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki – Lightweight bout
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos – Bantamweight bout
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 October 26 card in Abu Dhabi will draw significant attention from MMA fans worldwide.
A Must-Watch Event
With the official poster now released, the excitement around UFC 308 is palpable. Headlined by the much-anticipated clash between Topuria and Holloway, and with several other marquee matchups, the event is poised to be one of the highlights of the UFC’s 2024 calendar.
For Ilia Topuria, this is a chance to further establish himself as the next great featherweight champion, while Max Holloway will look to recapture the title that once made him a legend. Regardless of the outcome, UFC 308 promises to be a night full of thrilling action that no MMA fan will want to miss.
