UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway promises to be an explosive event, set for October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The night will feature an electrifying clash for the UFC Featherweight Championship, as reigning champion Ilia Topuria faces the legendary Max Holloway. In what’s sure to be a brutal contest, Holloway, one of the sport’s all-time greats, will attempt to hand Topuria his first-ever loss and reclaim the title.
But that's not all - fans are buzzing for the co-main event, where Khamzat Chimaev finally makes his highly anticipated return to the Octagon after a long hiatus. With an undefeated record of 13 wins, Chimaev now faces his toughest challenge yet: former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. It’s a matchup of raw power, relentless pressure, and pure skill, where both fighters are hungry to prove they belong at the top.
Two thrilling battles. Two potential showdowns for the ages. Will the young blood rise, or will the veterans remind the world why they were once kings?
Additionally, we have Ankalaev vs. Rakic and Murphy vs. Ige!
FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT: Topuria 15-0-0 VS Holloway 26-7-0
It’s no secret that the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria, is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to his boxing. In his fight against Josh Emmett, Topuria dominated with sharp stand-up, pummeling the American with relentless punches. But perhaps his most defining moment came when he faced former champion Alexander Volkanovski - a brutal right hook from Topuria cornered the ex-champ, leading to a knockout that shook the division.
Max Holloway, currently ranked No. 2, has built a career on wearing down his opponents with volume and pace, but lately, he’s shown he’s packing serious power in those gloves. He’s coming off two back-to-back knockouts. Last August, he floored "The Korean Zombie" with a crushing overhand right, and he followed that up by putting away Justin Gaethje with the very same punch.
This showdown is shaping up to be a striking battle for the ages, where the fighter with the hardest fists and the smartest boxing will likely claim victory.
MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT: Whittaker 27-7-0 VS Chimaev 13-0-0
A five-round middleweight clash between former champion and No. 3 ranked Robert Whittaker and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, currently ranked No. 13, is set to be an instant classic.
Whittaker is laser-focused on securing another shot at UFC gold, and he knows a win on Saturday could put him right back in the title mix. Speaking about Chimaev, Whittaker acknowledged the danger: "He’s got a high-level wrestling game adapted perfectly for MMA, knockout power, and a rock-solid chin. But I love being the underdog - that’s where I find my strength."
Chimaev, long seen as a future UFC champion, has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but the hype surrounding him has never faded. "This version of Robert Whittaker has been one of the best," Chimaev said, "But now it's my time. I can catch anyone with my takedown, and I’m going to finish him."
For Chimaev, this fight represents the opportunity he’s been waiting for - a win that could catapult him into a title fight. But the question remains: is the hunger that fueled his rise still burning as fiercely as ever?
We think so.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT: Ankalaev 19-1-1 VS Rakic 14-4-0
The favorite and No. 1 ranked Magomed Ankalaev is coming into this bout with the tools to dominate. His wrestling and precise striking have made him a force to be reckoned with in the division. But standing in his way is Aleksandar Rakic, a dangerous No. 5 ranked light heavyweight. If Rakic can keep Ankalaev at range and land those punishing leg kicks, this fight could take a surprising turn.
Rakic (14-4) is hungry for redemption after back-to-back losses, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. A third loss could derail his title aspirations, but an emphatic win over the highly-touted Ankalaev would shake up the division and catch the attention of UFC matchmakers.
With the UFC light heavyweight title on the line, the winner here could be next in line to face Alex Pereira, making this a pivotal clash that could reshape the division's landscape. Both fighters know what's at stake, and neither can afford to hold anything back.
FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT: Murphy 14-0-1 VS Ige 18-8-0 Lerone "The Miracle" Murphy, undefeated with 14 wins and 1 draw, is riding a six-fight win streak in the UFC and looking to break into the top 10 of the featherweight division. Known for his well-rounded skills and sharp striking, the 33-year-old Brit is on the verge of title contention.
Facing him is Dan "50K" Ige, a seasoned UFC veteran with 17 fights under his belt and a record of 18-8. The 33-year-old Hawaiian brings grit and experience to the octagon, eager to reignite his path to the top.
With Murphy holding a slight reach advantage, both fighters are evenly matched, and a win here could propel either closer to a shot at the title. It’s a pivotal showdown where everything is on the line.
