Ilia Topuria successfully defended his UFC featherweight championship at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, defeating Max Holloway. The bout saw Holloway experience the first knockout loss of his professional career.
Undefeated Topuria (16-0) landed a powerful right hand that visibly stunned Holloway. He quickly followed up with a devastating left hook in the third round, sending the 32-year-old American to the canvas.
Topuria immediately followed up with ground and pound strikes before referee Mark Goddard intervened to stop the contest at 1:34 of the third round.
“To beat a legend like Max Holloway, I don`t know what to say,” stated Topuria after his victory. “He`s been a great example for the generation. I hope I`m going to be a small example he has been for me for the new generation.”
Topuria mentioned that he knew the fight was close to ending after landing his initial powerful punch.
“I caught him with the right hand, I felt it,” Topuria explained. “I saw it in his face. You don`t see that often in Max Holloway.”
In the opening round, Topuria landed effective leg kicks that appeared to affect Holloway`s lead leg. The second round showcased both fighters` striking abilities, with Holloway landing significant shots. However, Topuria`s persistent leg kicks continued to seem detrimental to Holloway.
The third round brought the decisive two-punch combination.
“He just landed a shot and I guess it hurt much more than I thought it did,” said Holloway, whose record now stands at 26-8. “I felt great until he did it. No excuses. I felt great, I had a great camp, no injuries. I went out there, did my thing. He was just a better man.”
This was Topuria`s first title defense since he claimed the belt by defeating Alexander Volkanovski via technical knockout at UFC 298 in February.
With consecutive victories over two prominent featherweight legends, Holloway and Volkanovski, Topuria has strengthened his case for Fighter of the Year recognition.
Alexander Volkanovski was in attendance, and Topuria indicated he would grant him a rematch. “You deserve that, you`re the man,” Topuria told Volkanovski.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev (14-0), ranked No. 13, secured a first-round submission victory over No. 3 ranked Robert Whitaker (27-8) at 3:34, utilizing a face crank after a successful takedown.
“I`m going for the belt!” declared Chimaev after his dominant performance. He also offered words of respect to his opponent, telling Whitaker during his post-fight interview, “I love you brother, you`re a legend.”
