UFC 308 brought electrifying action to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 26, 2024, showcasing thrilling bouts and unforgettable finishes. Here’s a breakdown of all 13 fights, from the main event showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway to the intense battles in the prelims - UFC 308 Results..
Main Event – UFC Featherweight Championship
Ilia Topuria def. Max Holloway via KO/TKO (Left Hook to Ground Strikes) at 1:34 of Round 3
In a jaw-dropping finish, Ilia Topuria claimed the Featherweight Championship with a left hook that floored Holloway, followed by relentless ground strikes that forced the stoppage. Topuria's power and precision overwhelmed the Hawaiian legend, marking a significant shift in the division.
Co-Main Event
Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker via Submission (Face Crank) at 3:34 of Round 1
Chimaev wasted no time, displaying his grappling dominance by submitting former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round. The face crank showcased Chimaev's immense strength and technical prowess, making a strong case for his title contention.
Main Card Highlights
Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakić via Unanimous Decision
Ankalaev and Rakić went toe-to-toe for three grueling rounds, but Ankalaev’s effective striking and control on the ground earned him a decisive victory.
Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige via Unanimous Decision
Murphy showcased his versatility, outclassing the tough Ige in a well-rounded performance that solidified his place in the featherweight ranks.
Sharabutdin Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan via KO/TKO (Double Spinning Backfist) at 4:52 of Round 2
In one of the most unique finishes of the night, Magomedov delivered a double spinning backfist to KO Petrosyan. The spectacular technique left fans in awe of his creative striking abilities.
Preliminary Card Recap
Aslan def. Cerqueira via KO/TKO (Standing TKO, Punches) at 0:50 of Round 1
Aslan wasted no time, landing powerful punches that forced an early standing TKO in under a minute.
Geoff Neal def. Rafael dos Anjos via KO/TKO (Leg Injury) at 1:40 of Round 1
An unfortunate leg injury for dos Anjos led to a quick finish as Neal claimed victory in a heartbreaking twist for the former lightweight champion.
Mateusz Rębecki def. Sair Orolbai via Split Decision
Rębecki narrowly edged out a victory in this closely contested match, with both fighters showcasing grit and endurance.
Abubakar Magomedov def. Carlos Ferreira via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 3:14 of R3
Magomedov secured a win late in the fight with a textbook arm triangle choke, showcasing his grappling expertise.
Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Chris Barnett via KO/TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) at 4:27 of Round 1
Nzechukwu’s well-timed knee followed by punches forced the referee to step in, marking an impressive finish over the durable Barnett.
Javid Basharat def. Hugo Viana via Unanimous Decision
Basharat utilized his technical skills to dominate on the scorecards, outmaneuvering Viana for a solid victory.
Ismail Naurdiev def. Claudio Silva via Unanimous Decision
Naurdiev’s superior conditioning and striking precision led him to a clear decision win.
Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Gabriel Leal via Unanimous Decision
In a back-and-forth battle, Fakhretdinov displayed strong defense and control to secure a unanimous decision.
Final Thoughts
UFC 308 was a night packed with surprises and masterful performances, from Topuria’s featherweight title crowning to Chimaev’s first-round submission over Whittaker. The action was nonstop, with highlight-reel knockouts and impressive grappling on display across the card.