Ilia Topuria defeated Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, maintaining his position as the UFC featherweight champion. This fight marked the first time Holloway has been knocked out in his MMA career.
Topuria (16-0) landed a powerful right hand that staggered Holloway, before delivering a decisive left hook. The 32-year-old Holloway fell in the third round as a result of these strikes.
Topuria quickly capitalized, launching a ground-and-pound attack which led referee Mark Goddard to stop the fight. The technical knockout was declared at 1:34 of the third round.
`Beating a legend like Max Holloway is incredible,` Topuria stated. `He has been an inspiration for many. I hope to inspire the next generation as he has inspired me.`
Topuria mentioned that he knew victory was imminent after landing his initial powerful punch.
`When I connected with the right hand, I knew,` Topuria said. `I saw it in Max`s face. You rarely see that in him.`
In the first round, Topuria utilized leg kicks, causing early damage to Holloway`s lead leg.
The second round showcased both fighters` boxing abilities, with Holloway landing significant hits. However, Topuria`s leg kicks continued to weaken Holloway.
Ultimately, Topuria`s two strong punches in the third round decided the match.
`He landed a strong shot, and it had a greater impact than I anticipated,` Holloway admitted, now with a record of 26-8.
`I felt great until that moment. No excuses. My preparation was excellent, and I had no injuries. I performed to the best of my ability, but he was the superior fighter.`
This was Topuria`s first title defense after winning the belt from Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February with a second-round TKO.
Topuria`s consecutive wins against Holloway and Volkanovski strengthen his claim for fighter of the year.
Volkanovski was present at the event, and Topuria expressed his willingness to grant him a rematch.
`You deserve a rematch, you are a great fighter,` Topuria acknowledged to Volkanovski.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev (14-0), ranked No. 13, defeated No. 3 Robert Whitaker (27-8) with a first-round submission at 3:34. Chimaev secured a takedown and executed a face crank to win.
`I am coming for the belt!` Chimaev declared after his dominant victory.
`I respect you, brother, you are a legend,` Chimaev said to Whitaker in the post-fight interview.
