Ilia Topuria knocks out Max Holloway in UFC 308 main event

The featherweight title was on the line in the UFC 308 main event on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.  Champion Ilia Topuria faced former titleholder Max Holloway in his first title defense.  

Topuria earned the title by knocking out longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February.  The undefeated titleholder looked to add another former champion to his resume.  Holloway entered the bout riding a three-fight winning streak and coming off a highlight reel knockout over Justin Gaethje to win the ‘BMF’ title in April.  

Topuria pointed to the center of the octagon to start the fight.  Holloway did not accept.  Holloway used kicks early to keep Topuria on the outside.  Holloway landed to the leg kick a kick.  Topria looked to close the distance and get in boxing range.  Topuria changed levels and took Holloway down.  Holloway worked his way back to his feet and separated.  Topuria landed a right hand as Holloway stepped in the pocket.  Holloway began landing his jab.  Holloway utilized a lot of volume in typical fashion.  Holloway connected with a right hand.  Topuria connected with a combination counter that potentially  knocked Holloway down.  It looked like a slip.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Holloway due to volume.

Holloway continued to land his jab in the second round followed by a clean right hand.  Topuria pressed forward but missed with a combination.  Topuria connected with a right hand.  Topuria landed a hard left hook.  Holloway just absorbed it.  Topuria began landing.  He delivered a right hand.  Topuria’s right hand found a home.  Holloway stepped in with a right hand.  Topuria landed a counter right hand.  Holloway landed a spinning back kick to the body in the closing seconds.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Topuria.            

Holloway continued to have high output in the third.  Topuria landed a leg kick.  Holloway delivered back to back side kicks to Topuria’s lead leg.  Topuria landed a huge right hand that staggered Holloway.  Holloway circles away.  Topuria landed a left hand that send Holloway crashing to the canvas.  A follow up shot was all the referee needed to stop the fight.