Highlights! Ilia Topuria becomes first to knockout Max Holloway in wild title defense | UFC 308

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com's weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Ilia Topuria became the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway earlier today (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024) at UFC 308 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, defending his UFC featherweight title for the first time with a barrage of strikes in the third round.

Topuria mixed in his wrestling early with a slamming takedown along the cage. Holloway got back to his feet and relied on a stiff jab to pepper Topuria’s right eye. The champion responded with a few whipping leg kicks that nearly took “Blessed” off his feet. Holloway went back to the jab and started to open up with a few power punches as well.

Holloway kept the pressure and volume up in the second round, but Topuria was sneaking inside and started to find a home for power rights and lefts. He caught Holloway pretty good and wobbled him for a second. “Blessed” returned the favor later in the frame with more offense and variety.

“Blessed” involved some nasty oblique kicks to open the third round to keep Topuria at bay. That only lasted for a few minutes before the champion landed a massive right hand that badly hurt Holloway. Topuria stalked Holloway along the cage and stood inside the pocket. He eventually clocked Holloway again to knock the Hawaiian down to the canvas and become the first fighter to stop “Blessed” with strikes.

Check out the video highlights below:

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