UFC 308 delivered a memorable evening with unexpected twists, dramatic finishes, and intense battles at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. From shocking knockouts to quick submissions, the event offered everything a fight fan could want. Here’s a closer look at all the main card action, round-by-round results, and the reactions from the UFC community.
Main Event: Ilia Topuria Knocks Out Max Holloway in Round Three
The main event saw Ilia Topuria achieve a career-defining victory as he knocked out the legendary Max Holloway in the third round. It was a momentous occasion as Holloway, known for his endurance and granite chin, suffered his first-ever knockout loss in the UFC.
Topuria started the fight with calculated strikes, slowly breaking down Holloway’s defenses. By the third round, he found an opening and landed a powerful combination that floored Holloway, sealing the deal with a definitive knockout. The crowd erupted, recognizing Topuria’s feat of finishing a fighter many believed to be nearly impossible to stop. Fans praised Topuria’s precise striking and strategy, which allowed him to outpace one of the division’s greatest fighters.
Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev’s Rare First-Round Submission Victory
The co-main event showcased Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance as he secured a first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker. Known for his aggressive wrestling, Chimaev wasted no time, dragging Whittaker to the canvas and locking in a rare submission. Within minutes, Whittaker had no choice but to tap out, marking a swift end to the highly anticipated bout.
Chimaev’s victory was notable, not only because of his opponent’s elite status but also due to the rarity of such quick submissions in the UFC’s middleweight division. Fans were stunned by the ease with which Chimaev dispatched Whittaker, and many are now calling for him to challenge for the middleweight title.
Lerone Murphy Claims Victory in a Grueling Battle
In a highly anticipated featherweight matchup, Lerone Murphy battled Dan Ige, and the fight did not disappoint. Murphy demonstrated poise under pressure, showing off his well-rounded skills and managing to control the pace of the bout. Over three rounds, Murphy’s accurate striking and movement allowed him to outscore Ige, leading to a unanimous decision victory.
Fans in the UK celebrated Murphy’s success, seeing him as one of the rising stars in the division. His victory over a seasoned fighter like Ige has only heightened expectations for his future in the UFC.
Magomed Ankalaev Wins Close Fight by Decision in Round Three
Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic engaged in a tactical battle that went the distance. The light heavyweight fight was a closely contested affair, with both fighters having their moments. Ankalaev’s powerful kicks and solid defense helped him edge out Rakic over three rounds. The bout concluded with a decision victory for Ankalaev, but it was a razor-thin margin.
Fans debated the outcome, with some believing Rakic deserved the nod. However, Ankalaev’s precise counters and effective striking earned him the decision. His victory has likely moved him closer to a shot at the light heavyweight title, and many anticipate a rematch or a clash with other top contenders.
Sharabutdin Magomedov Delivers a Spectacular Knockout
The main card’s opener saw Sharabutdin Magomedov take on Armen Petrosyan in a middleweight contest that ended in explosive fashion. Magomedov’s striking was on full display, and he delivered a highlight-reel knockout in the second round. A brutal right hand dropped Petrosyan, marking a definitive end to the contest.
Magomedov’s knockout performance captivated the audience, drawing cheers for his aggressive fighting style. Fans on social media praised his ability to entertain and speculated about his potential to become a future contender in the UFC’s middleweight division.
Fan Reactions: A Night of Shocking Finishes and New Contenders
UFC 308 left fans buzzing with excitement. Topuria’s knockout of Holloway became the night’s most talked-about moment, with many applauding him for doing what no one else had managed against the former champion. Chimaev’s quick submission also stood out, adding to his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC.
Lerone Murphy’s victory generated a wave of support from British fans, eager to see him continue climbing the rankings. The close decision in the Ankalaev-Rakic fight led to heated debates, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Overall, UFC 308 was a card that exceeded expectations, delivering unforgettable moments and setting the stage for future rivalries and title challenges. Fans left the arena eagerly anticipating the next set of announcements, ready to see how the outcomes from this card will shape the UFC’s divisions.
