- Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway to defend the featherweight title at UFC 308
- Holloway had never before been arrested for strikes in his illustrious career.
Ilia Topuria promised to negotiate with Max Holloway, one of the most decorated strikers in UFC history, during their clash Saturday night in Abu Dhabi.
When the lights dimmed and the fight began, Topuria kept his word. He charged to the center of the octagon, pointed to the ground and called for Holloway to participate, a move reminiscent of Holloway’s fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
The threat seemed to work for Topuria, who knocked out Holloway for the first time in his MMA career, winning the fight in the third round to retain his featherweight title.
Topuria’s intentions were clear coming into this fight: he aimed to cement his status as the best in the division. Earlier this year, he dismantled Alex Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title, a victory that would normally secure his spot as the division’s best.
But fans weren’t ready to anoint him their champion until he faced Holloway, one of the most famous fighters in UFC history.
Ilia Topuria defended her featherweight title in emphatic fashion in the main event of UFC 308
The 27-year-old became the first man to knock out former world champion Max Holloway.
Topuria sent Holloway to the canvas with a left hook in the third round.
He needed to defeat Holloway, who entered Saturday’s fight with the UFC records for Significant Punches Landed (3,378) and Total Punches Landed (3,622).
Celebrities flocked to the Etihad Arena to watch the action with Chris Eubank Jr supporting Holloway and Sergio Ramos supporting Topuria.
And it’s safe to say they were not disappointed. Holloway struck first with a right hand before kicking the body and landing a punishing elbow late in the round.
However, it was Topuria who landed two takedowns in the first, while also landing several right hands.
In the second round, Topuria continued to land right hands, although Holloway’s volume and production were much greater than the 27-year-old’s.
But it was in the third round when the momentum really shifted in Topuria’s favor.
Both fighters wasted little time getting to work from the opening bell on Saturday.
Holloway attempted to use his vaunted punching volume to keep the champion at bay.
Topuria found her target with heavy blows as she made her way into Holloway’s range.
After successful kicks to Holloway’s calves, Topuria landed a powerful right hand, pushing his opponent towards the cage.
He used his momentum and landed a devastating left hook to send Holloway to the canvas for the first time in his career.
Topuria finished the job with several hammer blows before the referee stepped in to dismiss the contest.
Volkanovski joined Topuria after the fight inside the cage and the pair agreed to meet once again in a rematch as the Australian looks to become the second man to regain UFC gold at 145 pounds.
Speaking before Saturday night’s fight, Volkanovski said: “If Ilia wins, I will fight Ilia.” But can I guarantee Sydney? I don’t know. Would Max fight me in Australia? One hundred percent I would. But I think he would probably fight for the BMF title (next).
The Real Madrid superfan posed with Los Blancos legend Sergio Ramos, left, after the fight.
Topuria was joined inside the octagon by former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
“So if he wins, either I fight him in Sydney or I do an interim (title) fight against Diego Lopes. That guarantees me a title fight sooner.
‘Who would you rather fight next? Ilia in Sydney, it would be perfect to recover my victory, that is the dream. But Max’s victory will probably guarantee me the title fight sooner.’