The UFC’s annual journey to Abu Dhabi for UFC 308 promised us solutions to some huge questions. Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway, present champ vs former champ in the principle occasion, within the wake of Holloway’s legendary end over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 earlier this yr was in all probability probably the most excessive degree match up the promotion may hope to piece collectively, and so they delivered an distinctive two-plus rounds earlier than “El Matador” wrote one other chapter within the historical past books of the UFC’s featherweight division.
Khamzat Chimaev was requested to show his credibility as title contender by taking up future UFC Corridor of Famer Robert Whittaker, and he handed the take a look at with flying colours.
Shara Magomedov, Lerone Murphy and Magomed Ankalaev all picked up the largest assertion victories of their careers on the Etihad Enviornment. Let’s have a look at among the finest fights to make within the wake of UFC 308:
Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Topuria has now completed each Volkanovski and Holloway, arguably the 2 best featherweights of all time, within the area of only a few months. On the age of simply 27, the world is on the Georgian’s ft.
Each rights arms managed to catch Holloway as he was attempting to border out and create area. illia within the pocket is simply TOO highly effective however, it's while you attempt to exit that he catches you #ufc308 pic.twitter.com/5sjouuyUdA
— Bayliun (@Bayliun_Plays) October 26, 2024
Whereas there are an thrilling handful of fighters climbing the ranks at 145lbs in Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev and Arnold Allen, Volkanovski is unquestionably the person main the road because of his spectacular run of title defences.
Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira/Michael Chandler loser
Holloway’s efficiency at 155 lbs. towards Gaethje earlier this yr was one in all his best. At light-weight he seemed to have the pace benefit, which wasn’t the case when he got here again all the way down to featherweight to face Topuria. Having competed within the UFC’s 145-lb. division since 2012 the time might lastly have come the place he has outgrown the burden class.
It’s probably that the winner of the upcoming combat between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler might transfer ahead into the title image at 155 lbs., which opens the chance for Holloway to defend his BMF title towards the runner-up.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis/Sean Strickland winner
Khamzat Chimaev entered his co-main occasion towards Robert Whittaker with numerous questions hanging over him, however by breaking the previous champion’s jaw, “Borz” cemented his place within the middleweight title image. With Sean Strickland rumored to be subsequent to face Dricus Du Plessis, Chimaev will in all probability wait his flip.
Oh my goodness. That is what occurred to Robert Whittaker's jaw from Khamzat Chimaev's face crank. Insane. #UFC308 pic.twitter.com/gC0jXDT5Gm
— Jay Pettry (@jaypettry) October 26, 2024
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
The unbeaten streak of Magomed Ankalaev continued in spectacular vogue as he placed on a masterful putting efficiency within the Arabian desert. With gentle heavyweight champion Alex Pereira having cleaned out the remainder of the division, the time is now for the Russian southpaw to problem “Poatan” for his title.
Lerone Murphy vs. Josh Emmett
After a shaky begin, Manchester’s Lerone Murphy gathered himself and dug out a powerful victory over a troublesome opponent in Dan Ige. “The Miracle” stays unbeaten at 15-0-1 and known as his shot for a chance to crack the featherweight high ten throughout his post-fight interview when he known as for a combat with quantity eight-ranked Josh Emmett.
Shara Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira
Shara “Bullet” Magomedov confronted the primary actual take a look at of his UFC profession towards Armen Petrosyan and handed with flying colours as he pulled off one of many best finishes in UFC historical past.
He took his alternative on the mic to name out Israel Adesanya in what would absolutely be a spectacular putting match up, however it’s unlikely the previous champion would combat an unranked opponent. Michel Pereira, seeking to rebound from his latest defeat towards Anthony Hernandez, could also be a extra sensible possibility.
