The UFC made a triumphant return to Abu Dhabi with UFC 308 on Saturday, October 26, showcasing a star-studded card that electrified Etihad Arena. Headlined by featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former titleholder Max Holloway, the event was packed with intense fights, unforgettable highlights, and spectacular finishes that left fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a detailed look at the action that unfolded.
Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria fulfilled his promise to retain his featherweight title, delivering a devastating third-round knockout to Max Holloway. The Georgian standout, who claimed the title earlier this year by defeating Alexander Volkanovski, maintained his perfect 16-0 record with a performance that solidified his status as a dominant champion. The bout started cautiously, with both fighters exchanging strikes from a distance. Holloway, known for his high output, threw multiple strikes, while Topuria focused on powerful, precise counters. In the first two rounds, Topuria’s relentless pressure and hard-hitting combinations forced Holloway to defend, though he remained active and resilient. The turning point came in the third round when Topuria landed a thunderous right hand, followed by a powerful left that sent Holloway to the canvas. The referee stepped in at 1:34, ending the fight and securing a memorable title defense for Topuria. Holloway, a beloved figure in the sport, now holds a 26-8 record, while Topuria continues his unbeaten streak.
Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker
Khamzat Chimaev’s return after a year away was nothing short of spectacular. Facing former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, Chimaev made quick work of his opponent, submitting Whittaker with a face crank at 3:34 of the first round. The undefeated Chimaev, ranked No. 13, took on the No. 3-ranked Whittaker with a relentless grappling approach. Chimaev immediately went for a takedown, securing Whittaker’s back and controlling the position with precision. Despite Whittaker’s efforts to escape, Chimaev remained relentless, eventually locking in a face crank that forced the Australian to tap out. Chimaev’s win moves him to 14-0, while Whittaker drops to 27-8 in a challenging loss against one of the division’s rising stars.
Fight of the Night: Mateusz Rebecki vs. Myktybek Orolbai
In a grueling 160-pound catchweight bout, Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai put on a three-round war that captivated the Abu Dhabi crowd. Rebecki ultimately emerged victorious via split decision, much to the crowd’s dismay, improving his record to 20-2, while Orolbai suffered a narrow defeat and moved to 13-2-1. Both fighters traded heavy shots and displayed remarkable resilience, with Rebecki securing a knockdown in the third round. Despite the setback, Orolbai fought valiantly until the final bell, his eye visibly swollen from the intense battle. The judges’ decision was close, but Rebecki’s powerful striking and pressure proved enough to earn him the win in a bout that deservedly won “Fight of the Night” honors.
UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi lived up to its hype with a lineup of battles that won’t soon be forgotten. Ilia Topuria’s impressive knockout of Max Holloway solidified his position as a dominant featherweight champion, while Khamzat Chimaev’s quick finish of Robert Whittaker reminded fans of his grappling prowess. Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai’s back-and-forth brawl and Shara Magomedov’s stunning double backfist provided the night’s most thrilling moments, showcasing the grit and skill that make UFC events so compelling. As the dust settles on UFC 308, Abu Dhabi once again proved to be an exceptional host for premier MMA action.
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