New Delhi: Ilia Topuria shocked the world by becoming the first man to knock out Max Holloway. Topuria defeated Holloway via TKO in the third round in Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 27, Sunday. Topuria did all the things that he said before the fight, El Matador was looking unstoppable in the fight.
Topuria opened the fight by pointing out in the middle and calling Holloway to stand and trade shots but Holloway refused as he was known to do the same thing at the end of the round. Topuria was closing down the distance and landing some hard shots.
Holloway was also showing his boxing skills to reverse the attack. Holloway connected some jabs, his one right shot hurt the eye of Topuria. Topuria was smacking Holloway’s leg repeatedly. Holloway finds some difficulties to find his rhythm early on the fight. At the end of the first round, Topuria landed a shot and Holloway slipped after the shot, then immediately Topuria went for the choke but the round was finished.
Topuria continued his leg kicks in the second round but Holloway was also using his IQ by jabbing and keeping Topuria to not close the distance. Holloway was finding his flow as his mostly shots were connected to Topuria and mixing his attack to the leg and body of Topuria.
Topuria again started the third round by throwing some jabs but the challenger came with high kicks. Holloway switched his stance due to the champ’s leg kicks. Topuria connected his right hand and rocked Holloway, El Matador was looking for the finish but Holloway survived. Topuria again unleashed a combination and caught him with his left hand and Holloway was down after that shot.
Topuria unleashed ground and pound and threw punches fast and after multiple shots, the referee stopped Topuria and retained his title. After the win Former champion Alexander Volkanovski entered the cage and hugged Topuria. Topuria announced the rematch against Volkanovski in his next fight.
UFC 308 main card result:
Ilia Topuria defeated Max Holloway by knockout
Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev defeated Robert Whittaker via submission (face crank)
Magomed Ankalaev defeated Aleksandar Rakić via unanimous decision
Lerone Murphy defeated Dan Ige via unanimous decision
Shara Magomedov defeated Armen Petrosyan by knockout
