The best fight in MMA takes place this weekend at UFC 308, at the Eithad Arena out in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The 145lbs title is on the line as Ilia Topuria makes his first defence since claiming the belt in devastating fashion back in February. He faces one of the divisions all time greats, Max Holloway.
At 14-0 and only 27 years of age the Spaniard is the youngest current champion in the UFC and is planning a long standing reign across multiple divisions. He took the belt from Alexander Volkanovski in style knocking him out in the second round. Volkanovski was undefeated at featherweight going into the fight and his only losses in the UFC came at the hands of Islam Makhachev up at 155lbs, which makes the win even more special. Holloway is a future Hall of Famer and is a huge fan favourite within the UFC. Last time out he produced one of the most spectacular knockouts the world has ever seen against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, a win that earned him the BMF Belt.
The main event promises to be one of the best technical fights the sport has seen and the skill on display is set to be next level. The rest of the card in Abu Dhabi is stacked with exceptional fights and fighters all aiming to prove themselves. In the co-main top middleweights throw down each clamouring for a shot at current champion Dricus Du Plessis. Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev have been booked many times previously but at last we will see this incredible matchup. Most recently back in June, Chimaev had to withdraw due to severe illness.
Ones to Watch
Alongside an excellent main and co main event there are a plethora of great fights and top fighters throughout the UFC 308 event. On the main card Mancunian featherweight Lerone Murphy faces his toughest test yet in his UFC tenure as he climbs the rankings towards the top 10. The undefeated prospect will face Dan Ige, a 17 UFC fight veteran that last time out shocked the world and took a fight on 3 hours notice against Diego Lopes. The fight promises to deliver a bonus. At light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev faces off with Aleksandar Rakić for a shot against the almighty Alex Pereira. UFC icon Rafael Dos Anjos features on the prelims taking on Geoff Neal at 170lbs, the Brazilian is always in wars and expect another on Yas Island.
Check out the live results and highlights from Abu Dhabi below,
UFC 308
Main Card
Featherweight Championship – Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway
Result: Ilia Topuria defeats Max Holloway by knockout in the third round
Highlights:
Middleweight – Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev
Result: Khamzat Chimaev defeats Robert Whittaker in the first round due to a submission
Highlights:
Light Heavyweight – Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakić
Result: Magomed Ankalaev defeats Aleksandar Rakić by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Highlights:
Featherweight – Lerone Murphy vs Dan Ige
Result: Lerone Murphy defeats Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight – Shara Magomedov vs Armen Petrosyan
Result: Shara Magomedov defeats Armen Petrosyan in the 2nd round by TKO
Highlights:
Prelims
Light Heavyweight – Ibo Aslan vs Raffael Cerqueira
Result: Ibo Aslan defeats Raffael Cerqueira in the first round due to TKO
Highlights:
Welterweight – Geoff Neal vs Rafael Dos Anjos
Result: Geoff Neal defeats Rafael Dos Anjos in the first round by TKO
Highlights:
Catchweight (160lbs) – Myktybek Orolbai vs Mateusz Rębecki
Result: Mateusz Rębecki defeats Myktybek Orolbai by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Highlights:
Middleweight – Abus Magomedov vs Brunno Ferreira
Result: Abus Magomedov defeats Brunno Ferreira due to a submission in the third round
Highlights:
Heavyweight – Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Chris Barnett
Result: Kennedy Nzechukwu defeats Chris Barnett in the first round due to TKO
Highlights:
Featherweight – Farid Basharat vs Victor Hugo
Result: Farid Basharat defeats Victor Hugo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Highlights:
Middleweight – Bruno Silva vs Ismail Naurdiev
Result: Ismail Naurdiev defeats Bruno Silva by unanimous decision (30-37, 30-27, 30-27)
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Welterweight – Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Carlos Leal
Result: Rinat Fakhredinov defeats Carlos Leal by unanimous decision (30-27. 29-28, 29-28)
Highlights:
Featured image credits to UFC
