The UFC’s 12th pay-per-view event of 2024 goes down Saturday 26th 0ctober 2024, in the United Arab Emirates. The UFC’s annual autumn trek to the United Arab Emirates has traditionally produced massive championship moments and fight cards filled with thrilling efforts, and this instalment shouldn’t be any different, as the captivating headlining bout is joined by a fascinating co-main event that was delayed earlier in the year and host of intriguing matches featuring established contenders, emerging names, and intriguing neophytes.
UFC 308 Main Event
The Featherweight championship main event will feature Ilia Topuria Vs Max Holloway. Ilia Topuria makes the first defense of his featherweight title against former champion Max Holloway in one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
Topuria claimed the throne in February, registering a breathtaking second-round knockout win over titleholder Alexander Volkanovski, leaving the Australian slumped against the fence. The win moved Topuira to 7-0 in the UFC and 15-0 overall, making “El Matador” the first Georgian and Spanish champion in UFC history.
It’s Official! Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway is your #UFC308 main event in Abu Dhabi!
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 3, 2024
🎟️ Tickets on general sale Tuesday 1pm GST!@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/GxO62ttzH6
Holloway’s path to potentially reclaiming the featherweight title seemed blocked as long as Volkanovski was still atop the division, but when Topuira claimed the belt, the road opened up. “Blessed” then went out at UFC 300 and claimed the BMF title from Justin Gaethje, wrapping up a dominant effort by knocking out “The Highlight” in the center of the Octagon just before the buzzer.
Every part of this fight is compelling, even the verbal sparring that has been taking place between the two. Topuria is confident and incredibly skilled, while Holloway is one of the most battle-tested fighters on the roster, making this an exceptional clash between a burgeoning superstar and one of the most popular fighters on the roster.
Ila Topuria
Ila Topuria is a Georgian and Spanish professional mixed martial artist and he currently competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the UFC featherweight champion. He is also the first Georgian and Spanish fighter to win a UFC championship. Born January 21 1997, he his 27 years old and he has a mixed martial arts record of 15 fights and zero losses.
Max Holloway
Jerome Max Kelii Holloway is an American professional mixed martial artist and he currently competes in the featherweight and Lightweight divisions of the UFC. He is a former UFC featherweight champion and the current UFC BMF champion. Born December 4, 1991, he is 32 years of age and has a mixed martial arts record of 33 fights and 7 losses.
Max Holloway and Ila Topuria Trade Words
In a Facebook video dated October 10, 2024, Ila Topuria told Max Holloway that he lacked technique in his fight against Justin Gaethje. “the only thing exciting about that fight was the last 10 seconds to be honest. But I didn’t say any technique in that fight. I didn’t see any strategy. I just saw a bar fight to be honest.”
Odds
The CBS sports places Ilia Topuria as the favorite with -265 odd and Max Holloway enters the octagon as the underdog at +205 odd. Topuria (15-0) ended Alexander Volkanovski’s five-year title reign earlier this year, the only featherweight to beat Volkanovski. Topuria accomplished a feat that Holloway failed to do on three separate occasions.
Watch
• Date: Oct. 26
• Location: Etihad Arena -- Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
• Start time: 2 p.m. ET (Main card)
• How to watch: ESPN+ PPV UFC fight pass.com
