Topuria KOs Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024
- Ilia Topuria achieved a significant victory at UFC 308 by knocking out Max Holloway in the third round.
- Khamzat Chimaev submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round of their co-main event match.
- Topuria's victory marked a historic moment, as he became the first fighter to defeat Holloway by knockout, reshaping the title landscape.
On October 26, 2024, UFC 308 took place, featuring a remarkable main event in which Ilia Topuria faced off against Max Holloway for the featherweight title. Topuria emerged victorious, scoring a historic knockout in the third round, becoming the first fighter to achieve this feat against Holloway. In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev continued his undefeated streak by submitting former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round of their middleweight bout. Whittaker later expressed concerns about a potential jaw injury resulting from the submission hold. Topuria's win marked his first title defense, and he expressed gratitude for the support he received from his team during the fight. This victory solidifies Topuria's standing in the featherweight division, particularly with notable fighters like Alex Volkanovski and Diego Lopes present at ringside. Holloway, despite suffering defeat, remained optimistic about his future in the sport, vowing to rebound from this setback. The event showcased a blend of talent and excitement typical of UFC, drawing attention to the athletes' skills and the high stakes involved in championship bouts. The knockout of a fighter with Holloway's pedigree highlights the dynamic nature of mixed martial arts, where even established champions can fall to rising stars like Topuria. With a successful title defense under his belt, Topuria's future fights may include rematches with prominent contenders, further intensifying the competition in the featherweight division.