This weekend, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) hosts its 20th Abu Dhabi show, UFC 308. Featuring featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against former champion Max Holloway. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.
What is UFC 308?
UFC 308 is a premier MMA event by the UFC, headlined by the highly anticipated featherweight title bout between champion Ilia Topuria and No. 2-ranked contender Max Holloway. The event includes 14 fights in total, with five on the main card and nine on the preliminary card.
Where and When Is It?
Location: Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Date: Saturday, October 26
Start Times:
- Preliminary card: 6 pm UAE time
- Main card: 10 pm UAE time
Main Event Preview
Ilia Topuria (15-0): The Georgian-Spaniard star shot to UFC stardom in February by dethroning long-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski with a spectacular knockout. Since joining the UFC in 2020, Topuria has racked up seven straight wins, making him the first Georgian and Spaniard to hold a UFC title. This weekend, he makes his first title defense.
Max Holloway (26-7): Holloway, a former featherweight champion and a UFC fan favorite, has been a staple in the organization since he debuted at age 19. Known for his resilience and striking prowess, the 32-year-old American won the featherweight title in 2017 and defended it four-times. He now holds the “BMF” title after a last-second knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
Who Else is Fighting?
- Robert Whittaker (27-7) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (13-0): The No. 3 middleweight contender Whittaker faces rising-star Chimaev in the co-main event. This fight was originally scheduled for June but was delayed due to Chimaev’s illness.
- Lerone Murphy (14-0-1) vs. Dan Ige (18-8): In a lightweight showdown, the undefeated Murphy will face the seasoned Ige.
- Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (14-4): This light-heavyweight clash pits the No. 2 contender Ankalaev against a fierce challenger, with both fighters looking to boost their title aspirations.
- Shara Magomedov (14-0) vs. Armen Petrosyan (9-3): These two middleweights round out the main card, promising an action-packed showdown.
Additional Fight Week Events
Fans can experience UFC 308 beyond fight night, including:
- Fan Experiences: Two immersive fan events at Yas Mall (Monday to Sunday) and Yas Bay (Wednesday to Sunday), with UFC merchandise and activities.
- Public Workout: Held on Wednesday at Yas Mall’s Town Centre from 5 pm to 7:15 pm, fans can watch the fighters in action.
- Press Conferences: Open to the public on Thursday at Etihad Arena, followed by Power Slam at Space 42 Arena at 7 pm.
- Weigh-ins: Closed official weigh-ins take place Friday morning, with ceremonial weigh-ins from 4 pm to 6:30 pm at Etihad Arena, open to fans.
What the Fighters Are Saying
Topuria: “I will win this game on Saturday, that’s for sure…I’m going to find a way to finish him and take his head off.”
Holloway: “I can’t wait…just keep grinding. If you want something, go get it; anything is possible.”
Whittaker: “I’m here on a mission… I look forward to putting Chimaev through his paces.”
Chimaev: “We’ll see in the cage. Maybe it’s an easy fight, maybe it’s hard—we’ll see on fight night.”
Tickets and Broadcast Information
Tickets: UFC 308 is sold out.
TV Coverage: In the UAE, the event will be broadcast live on Starzplay.
With an explosive main event and a stacked card, UFC 308 promises another unforgettable night in Abu Dhabi.
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