The fight was highly anticipated and it did not disappoint. On Saturday evening in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), the Spanish-Georgian Ilia Topuria retained his featherweight champion belt (-66 kg) by defeating the American Max Holloway by knockout during the third round of the main UFC fight 308. This had never happened to his opponent in over 10 years of his career and around thirty matches in this category.
The two fighters, who had insulted each other upon entering the ring, then assumed their rank and offered a truly spectacular fight. Previously more effective with his punches, the Hawaiian thought he had worn down his opponent but was knocked to the ground by a decisive left hook from Topuria, still undefeated after 16 fights. “I was ready, I have no excuses. He touched me and hurt me more than I thought,” Holloway said bitterly as he left the ring.
As soon as the victory was achieved, the Spanish-Georgian launched a challenge to Alexander Volkanovski. The latter, holder of the belt from 2019 to 2024 before losing it last February to Topuria, had previously witnessed the clash alongside, in particular, former PSG defender Sergio Ramos. “We will do it again in this fight, you have defended this belt five times, you deserve it,” he told The Australian when he stepped into the octagon.
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