UFC 308 is shaping up to be a blockbuster event headlined by the highly anticipated Featherweight Championship bout between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.
Set to take place on October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, this card has something for everyone.
Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway (Featherweight Title Fight)
This will be Topuria's first defense of the featherweight belt after his impressive knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.
As one of the most exciting rising stars in the division, Topuria brings his undefeated record (15-0) and heavy hands into the octagon.
He's a -275 favorite, with his elite boxing skills and relentless pressure earning him the moniker "El Matador."
On the other side, Max Holloway, the former champion and fan favorite, is a +225 underdog, but his experience and durability make him a dangerous opponent.
Holloway has never been knocked out in his career, and his legendary chin will be tested by Topuria's power
Topuria has had back-and-forth exchanges with several fighters, including Conor McGregor, which has fueled interest in this fight.
Should Topuria win convincingly, it could elevate him as a major UFC star, possibly setting up a future showdown with McGregor.
But standing in his way is Holloway, whose volume striking and experience in title fights make him a formidable challenge.
Co-Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)
The co-main event features another marquee bout, with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker taking on the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.
Chimaev, known for his explosive style and ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground, will finally be tested in a five-round fight.
This is a big question mark for many, as we’ve yet to see how his cardio holds up in the later rounds. Currently, Chimaev is a -265 favorite against Whittaker (+210), a seasoned veteran who could push him into deep waters
Other Main Card Fights
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić (Light Heavyweight): This fight pits two of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division against each other. Ankalaev is known for his measured striking and strong grappling, while Rakić has the power and athleticism to make this an exciting bout.
Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (Featherweight): Murphy enters this fight undefeated (14-0-1) and looks to continue his rise in the division. Ige, a battle-tested featherweight, will try to derail the Murphy hype train.
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan (Middleweight): Magomedov, another undefeated fighter, will bring his unblemished record into the octagon, hoping to outclass Petrosyan in this middleweight contest.
Overall, UFC 308 offers an incredible mix of exciting title fights, undefeated fighters, and high-stakes matchups.
Whether it's the Topuria vs. Holloway title fight or the five-round war between Chimaev and Whittaker, fans can expect fireworks in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.