UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, is set to return to Abu Dhabi with a highly anticipated title fight. The UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will face off against the No. 2 ranked Max Holloway in a bout that promises to showcase skill and determination. This event is not just a fight but a celebration of MMA, as it marks the 20th UFC event held in the UAE over the past decade.
The Main Event: Topuria vs Holloway
Ilia Topuria (15-0-0), fighting out of Spain by way of Georgia, enters this fight as the undefeated UFC featherweight champion. Known for his nine first-round finishes, Topuria made headlines by dethroning UFC legend Alex Volkanovski earlier this year. His powerful and precise fighting style has earned him a reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the featherweight division. Topuria’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular, and his defense of the title against Holloway is eagerly anticipated by fans around the world.
Max Holloway (26-7-0), hailing from Hawaii, USA, is no stranger to the Octagon®. Holloway is coming off a thrilling victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC® 300, where he secured the fan-favorite BMF title. Holloway’s relentless pace and striking prowess make him a dangerous opponent for any fighter. His goal is clear: to reclaim the featherweight title and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. The Topuria vs Holloway matchup is set to be a high-octane clash that will captivate MMA fans globally.
Co-Main Event: Whittaker vs Chimaev
The co-main event features a clash of top middleweights as No. 3 ranked contender Robert Whittaker faces No. 11 ranked Khamzat Chimaev. This five-round matchup carries significant title implications and promises to deliver intense action.
Robert Whittaker (26-7-0), from New South Wales, Australia, is a seasoned fighter known for his resilience and skill. Fresh off a victory over Ikram Aliskerov at UFC’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia, Whittaker is determined to extend his winning streak and cement his place as a top contender in the middleweight division. His strategic fighting approach and adaptability make him a formidable opponent for Chimaev.
Khamzat Chimaev (13-0-0), fighting out of the United Arab Emirates, enters the Octagon with an undefeated record. Chimaev’s impressive resume includes six wins by knockout, five by submission, and eight first-round finishes. His recent victory against Kamaru Usman has catapulted him into the spotlight, and he is now focused on maintaining his undefeated streak. Chimaev’s aggressive style and diverse skill set make him a challenging adversary for Whittaker.
A Decade of UFC in the UAE
UFC® 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY is a milestone event as it marks the 20th UFC event held in the UAE over the past decade. The partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has played a crucial role in bringing world-class MMA events to the region. Over the years, fans in the Middle East have witnessed the rise of global MMA talent and historic UFC moments.
From iconic fighters like Conor McGregor to homegrown athletes like Mohammad Yahya, who is set to make his UFC debut, the UAE has become a significant hub for the sport. These events have contributed to the growth of MMA in the region and added a significant highlight to Abu Dhabi’s sports calendar.
VIP Experience Packages
For those looking to experience UFC® 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY in style, VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. These exclusive packages offer premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes, and more. To view package details and make reservations, visit UFCvip.com.
Additional Bouts on the Card
In addition to the main and co-main events, UFC® 308 features a stacked card with exciting matchups across multiple weight classes:
- Ciryl “Bon Gamin” Gane (12-2-0), a fighter from Vincennes, France, will face Alexander “Drago” Volkov (38-10-0), a fighter from Moscow, Russia, in a heavyweight matchup.
- Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1), fighting out of Dagestan, Russia, faces Aleksandar “Rocket” Rakic (14-4-0), fighting out of Vienna, Austria, in a light heavyweight bout.
- Marcos Rogerio “Pezao” de Lima (22-9-1), fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil, clashes with Kennedy “African Savage” Nzechukwu (12-5-0), fighting out of Texas, USA, in a heavyweight face-off.
- Rinat “Gladiator” Fakhretdinov (23-2-1), fighting out of Moscow, Russia, faces off against Nursulton “Black” Ruziboev (34-9-2), fighting out of Pennsylvania, USA, in a welterweight battle.
- Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal (15-6-0), fighting out of Texas, USA, meets Rafael Dos Anjos (32-16-0), fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a lightweight bout.
- Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy (14-0-1), fighting out of Manchester, England, locks horns with Dan “50K” Ige (18-8-0), fighting out of Hawaii, USA, in a featherweight bout.
- Abus Magomedov (26-6-1), a fighter from Düsseldorf, Germany, will face Brunno Ferreira (12-1-0), a fighter from Parana, Brazil, in a middleweight bout.
Tickets for UFC® 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY went on sale on Tuesday, August 6, and are available via etihadarena.ae and Ticketmaster.ae. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness history in the making as some of the best fighters in the world converge in Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action.
