UFC 308: Chimaev Makes a Statement; Topuria Defends His Belt
On October 26, UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi delivered a set of spectacular performances in both the main and co-main events. Rising star Khamzat Chimsev beat veteran Robert Whittaker by submission in Round one, while Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria defended his belt with an impressive TKO victory over legend Max Holloway.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev made an emphatic return to the octagon, facing former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Chimaev’s strategy was evident, as he brought a takedown-defense artist in Whittaker to the ground with ease. Not long after, Chimaev secured a rear-naked choke that forced Whittaker to tap at just 3:34 into the first round.
Chimaev’s dominant victory against a valiant opponent makes him an instant candidate for a middleweight title shot, which he passionately demanded after the fight. With the Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis considering his options, fans and analysts alike now await what could be a highly anticipated matchup between Du Plessis and Chimaev.
In the main event, Ilia Topuria controlled the fight for its duration. Max Holloway withstood Topuria’s powerful striking in the first two rounds, despite enduring heavy combinations and punishing leg kicks. Topuria’s speed and precision ultimately proved to be too much for Holloway, as a powerful hook from Tpouria knocked down Holloway in Round 3, a feat no one had accomplished before. Once Holloway was on the ground, there was nothing he could do, and Topuria finished the job quickly.
For Topuria, having dethroned longtime Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and defending his beat against Holloway in the same year, he solidified his position at the top of the featherweight division and one of the sport’s rising superstars. The sky’s the limit for the 27-year-old Topuria, who could very well end up reigning over the division for years to come.
