Topuria Brutally KOs Holloway To Retain Featherweight Title – ‘Total Domination’

Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway at UFC 308 in the third round to retain his UFC Featherweight Title, giving Max Holloway his first stoppage loss. 

Topuria promised to stop Holloway and show him they are levels to the sport. He wanted Holloway to meet him in the center of the Octagon, just as Blessed had done when he knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. While that may have been the case, Holloway did not respond to that call. But it did not prevent him from eventually getting knocked out. The fight started at a quick pace. Holloway began his attacks with kicks as Topuria chased him around the Octagon. 

The Georgian connected with a massive combination and hit Holloway’s chin with a left hook. Topuria landed with a right hand as he continued targeting Max upstairs. Holloway did have some success as he landed a one-two combination. But just as the round was about to close, Topuria dropped Holloway with the left hook. Holloway knew he had work to do going into the second round. Max started with his jab. But Topuria was closing the distance and finding Holloway’s chin.

Topuria’s Class

Max did have some success with two counters with his left hook. This was then followed up by a big right hand. However, the shots did not do much damage as Topuria continued walking forward. Holloway began the third round on the front foot, throwing out some body kicks. Holloway did trouble him with a leg kick, which buzzed him. However, the fight then suddenly changed.

Topuria marched forward with a massive right hand, followed by a huge left hook, which sent Holloway to the canvas. Topuria responded with numerous shots as the fight was over. After the fight, Alexander Volkanovski joined Topuria in the Octagon. Ilia knocked him out before this fight at UFC 298 to win the UFC Featherweight Title. Topuria exchanged warm words, stating that he was open to a rematch.

“He is a man, we’re going to do it again. You deserve that. You’re the man. He defended his title seven times… I don’t know how many times… If someone deserves it – it’s him. So, let’s do it, brother,” Topuria

“We got ready for everything. He just land a shot and I guess it hurt much more than I thought it did. I felt great bro, I felt great till he did it. That’s just this sport. Hats off to him. No excuses, I felt great, I had a great camp, no injuries. I went out here did my thing, he was just a better man tonight. But he gave me the name ‘bounceback’, so I’ll see you again, my friend,” Holloway

Co-Main Event

Khamzat Chimaev submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round to mark a successful return to the Octagon after around a year out. The duo were meant to fight earlier in the year at UFC Saudi. But Chimaev pulled out after suffering from illness. Whitaker then faced off against Ikram Aliskerov, stopping him in the first round to set up this fight. The fight was expected to be competitive. Chimaev is known for his wrestling, while Whitaker is a former UFC Middleweight Champion in good form.

However, Chimaev showed otherwise. He took the fight immediately to Whittaker, securing a takedown within the opening 30 seconds. He connected with a hook as he tried to land a rear naked choke. Whittaker managed to defend that, but Chimaev got him to the ground again. Chimaev got him on his back, as the pressure was too much, with Whitaker eventually tapping out. Khamzat remains undefeated, going a step closer to a world title shot. Meanwhile, the loss ended Whittaker’s two-fight win streak. 

Full Card

Ilia Topuria defeated Max Holloway by KO (punches) in round 3

Khamzat Chimaev defeated Robert Whittaker by submission in round 1 at 3:34.

Magomed Ankalaev won against Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Lerone Murphy defeated Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Shara Magomedov won over Armen Petrosyan by TKO  in round  at 4:52.

Ibo Aslan defeated Rafael Cerqueira by TKO in round 1 at 0:51.

Geoff Neal beat Rafael dos Anjos by TKO in round 1 at 1:40.

Mateusz Rebecki won against Myktybek Orolbai by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Abus Magomedov defeated Brunno Ferreira by submission in round 3 at 3:14.

Kennedy Nzechukwu won over Chris Barnett by TKO in round 1 at 4:27.

Farid Basharat beat Victor Hugo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Ismail Naurdiev won against Bruno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Rinat Fakhretdinov defeated Carlos Leal by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

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