UFC 308 results: Biggest winners, loser from ‘Topuria vs. Holloway’ in Abu Dhabi

Adam Guillen has been writing (and translating) for MMAmania.com since 2011, covering the latest UFC, Bellator, PFL and other mixed martial arts (MMA) news and latest happenings throughout the combat sports world.

UFC 308 went down yesterday (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024) inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In the main event of the evening, Ilia Topuria retained his Featherweight title by defeating Max Holloway via devastating knockout (see it again here). In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev made quick work of Robert Whittaker by submitting him rather violently in the very first round (see it again here).

Biggest Winner: Ilia Topuria

“El Matador” once again walked the walk after talking the talk, delivering a masterpiece performance against Holloway en route to securing a third-round knockout (see it here), becoming the first man to ever defeat “Blessed” in that manner. Time and time again, Topuria has shown that he is without a doubt one of the best fighters on the planet, and knocking out Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in back-to-back outings is unheard of. Aside from his unmatched fighting skills, the undefeated fighter (16-0, 8-0 UFC) is as classy in victory as they come, paying homage to one of the best fighters to ever grace the Octagon for paving the way for him. Topuria is well on his way to major superstardom.

Runner Up: Khamzat Chimaev

Are you a believer now? Chimaev did to Robert Whittaker what no other man before him has done, steamrolling him in the very first round with a suffocating offensive attack that resulted in a quick submission win for “Borz” and a broken jaw for “The Reaper.” Time and time again, Chimaev showed that he is simply built different, and now that he has secured the biggest win of his career the top of the division has to be on the lookout because he is coming fast, relentless and he isn’t leaving without a title shot. It’s one he deserves over Sean Strickland without a shadow of a doubt, so don’t be too surprised if Dana White and Co. switch gears and book Chimaev vs. Du Plessis in early 2025.

Honorable Mention: Shara Magomedov

Magomedov proved, yet again, why many are looking at him as a potential title challenger — perhaps as early as 2025 — by turning in another devastating performance, knocking out his former training partner, Armen Petrosyan, in the closing seconds of round two with an unheard of double-backfist finish (see it again here). With the win, “Bullet” improves to 15-0, 4-0 UFC after securing his third win of 2024. And that’s what makes him a fan-favorite; his willingness to fight often and his aggressive style. Big things are coming for Magomedov.

Biggest Loser: Aleksandar Rakic

With a golden opportunity handed to him to upset Magomed Ankalaev and potentially steal his title shot, Rakic failed to deliver, losing a unanimous decision to the man who will now likely face Alex Pereira. To make matters worse for “Rocket,” that his now his third straight loss inside the Octagon after starting off hot with a 6-1 mark, with many labeling him a potential title contender early on. And that’s how drastic a fighter’s luck can change in the fight game; a win would’ve likely put him into a title fight, but the loss now leaves him plenty of questions. He won’t get cut based on his skid, but he will be going into his next fight with immense pressure staring down the barrel of possibly losing his fourth in a row.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 308: “Topuria vs. Holloway” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.