UFC 308 live results: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway

The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for their yearly big pay-per-view event as UFC 308 takes place inside the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The main event is one of the best match-ups of the year as UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria makes his first title defense against former UFC Featherweight Champion and current BMF Champion Max Holloway. Topuria won the featherweight title at UFC 298 in February, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win the title. Holloway became the BMF Champion with a dramatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, and has won three straight fights overall.

In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev finally square off in a pivotal five-round bout. They were scheduled to fight in June, but Chimaev was forced out about a week before the fight due to illness. Whittaker went on to knock out Ikram Aliskerov, notching his second straight win.

Also on the main card is a light heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic; a featherweight fight pitting Lerone Murphy against Dan Ige; and a middleweight bout between Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan.

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> Welterweights- Rinat Fakhretdinov (23-2-1, 4-0-1 UFC) vs. Carlos Leal (21-5, 0-0 UFC)

Fakhretdinov with a quick inside leg kick. Leal with a right hand as Fakhretdinov lands a leg kick, then another. Fakhretdinov gets a takedown. They get to the fence and get up but Fakhretdinov still has the body locked. Fakhretdinov lands a knee. Leal with some body shots as Fakhretdinov lands some knees. They separate and Fakhretdinov lands a right hand and Leal landed a right hand. They trade and Fakhretdinov scores a takedown, but Leal pops right up. Fakhretdinov pushes it to the fence. Leal lands a knee and a left hook as they separate. Leal lands a pair of calf kicks. Leal lands a left hand. They trade punches. Leal with a left hook. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. Leal lands a left hook and a right hand. Leal with a left hook. 10-9 Leal.

Leal lands a calf kick. Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Leal lands a quick combo and defends a takedown attempt from Fakhretdinov. Leal with a left hand and a leg kick. Fakhretdinov lands a jab. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. Leal with a calf kick then a combo then another calf kick. Leal landing more and defends a takedown attempt from Fakhretdinov, landing a knee. They trade and Fakhretdinov lands a solid right hand. Fakhretdinov with a combination. Leal lands a right hand. Fakhretdinov lands a pair of stiff jabs. Fakhretdinov with a combination. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Leal with a hard calf kick. Fakhretdinov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Leal, 20-18 Leal.

Leal with a leg kick to start. Fakhretdinov tries a takedown but Leal defends and lands to the body as Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Fakhretdinov tries a takedown but Leal defends. Fakhretdinov tries for a takedown as he pushes it to the fence. They separate. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Fakhretdinov with a back fist. Leal lands a right hand. They clinch and trade knees. Leal gets a takedown and takes the back as they stand and lands a knee as they break. They trade in close range. Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Leal with a series of punches and a calf kick. They trade right hands and Leal lands a combo. They clinch and both land. They trade leg kicks. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. They trade late. Fun fight. 10-9 Leal, 30-27 Leal.

Official Result- Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Carlos Leal by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

This is one of the worst decisions in UFC history. Absolute robbery. Carlos Leal deserved that win.

> Middleweights- Ismail Naurdiev (23-7, 2-2 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (23-11, 4-5 UFC)

Silva lands a jab. Naurdiev with a hard calf kick. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva tries a high kick but Naurdiev grabs it and forces the fight to the fence. Naurdiev steps back and lands a combination. They trade in close range and Naurdiev with a high kick. Naurdiev with a leg kick. Naurdiev grabs Silva and pushes him to the fence and lands. Naurdiev lands a knee and Silva counters with an elbow and Naurdiev counters that with an elbow. Naurdiev scores a takedown. They stand and Naurdiev jumps on the back for a choke but Silva gets out. Naurdiev still looking for it and Silva grabbed the fence. Naurdiev jumps off the back. 10-9 Naurdiev.

Naurdiev lands a body kick. They trade and Naurdiev lands a right hand that trips Silva to the mat. Naurdiev jumps on the back and Silva grabs the fence again. Naurdiev with some elbows. They get to their feet. They separate and trade jabs. Naurdiev grabs the neck for a standing guillotine choke. Silva shakes him off. Naurdiev with a jab and scores a takedown. Naurdiev with some punches from the top. Naurdiev lands some left hands from the back. Silva grabs the fence again. They get to their feet. Naurdiev lands a right hand. Naurdiev with a side kick. 10-9 Naurdiev, 20-18 Naurdiev.

Naurdiev lands a leg kick and pushes it to the fence. Naurdiev with some punches then a knee then a combination and lands before backing away. Silva shoots for a takedown but Naurdiev grabs the neck and lands a knee. Silva throws a kick that misses and just stops and Naurdiev pushes him to the fence. Naurdiev lands an elbow as he breaks away. They trade left hands. Naurdiev lands a solid combination. Naurdiev with a jab and Silva lands a knee. Naurdiev with a leg kick. Silva lands a left hand. Naurdiev with a leg kick and lands a right hand. 10-9 Naurdiev, 30-27 Naurdiev.

Official Result- Ismail Naurdiev def. Bruno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Naurdiev looked good in his UFC return. Silva looked awful and has now lost four straight fights and is 1-6 in his last seven, so I expect this to be it for him in the UFC.

> Featherweights- Farid Basharat (12-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Victor Hugo (25-4, 1-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Hugo lands a right hand. They’re trading in close range. Basharat lands a leg kick. Basharat shoots for a takedown but Hugo defends. Hugo with a stiff leg kick. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo with a spinning elbow. Hugo rolls for a leg lock. Basharat is able to pull his leg free and gets on top. Basharat lands and Hugo is cut open. Basharat lands as they scramble up. Hugo with a spin kick. Basharat lands a right hand. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo shoots and they scramble as Hugo looks for a leg lock. 10-9 Basharat.

Hugo lands a leg kick. Hugo hurts Basharat with a knee. Basharat lands a combination. Hugo with some leg kicks. Basharat lands a right hand. Basharat with some leg kicks. Basharat with a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Hugo with a leg kick and a left hook. He lands another then a right hand. Basharat lands a knee. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo lands a back elbow. Basharat lands a combination. Basharat grabs the back late. 10-9 Basharat, 20-18 Basharat.

Hugo lands a flurry that had Basharat in brief trouble. They clinch and Basharat lands a knee before breaking away. Hugo lands a left hand and uppercut and Basharat counters with a left hand. Basharat scores a takedown. Basharat lands from the top and has the back as they get to their feet. They separate and trade before going back to the mat and Basharat takes the back. Basharat lands before they scramble up. 10-9 Basharat, 30-27 Basharat.

Official Result- Farid Basharat def. Victor Hugo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

This fight was changed from bantamweight to featherweight before the weigh-ins and Hugo looked a weight class above Basharat, but Basharat was able to overcome it and looked good. Hugo needs to be forced up to featherweight.

> Heavyweights- Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Chris Barnett (23-8, 2-2 UFC)

Nzchukwu with a jab as Barnett lands a pair of leg kicks. Barnett lands a left hand. Nzchukwu with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade kicks. Nzchukwu pressing forward and lands some body kicks. Nzchukwu still landing kicks. Nzchukwu with more body kicks. Barnett looks to have injured his left foot. Nzchukwu landing at will. Barnett lands a left hand. Nzchukwu with a knee to the body. Nzchukwu starts teeing off and lands a knee. Barnett goes to the mat and it is stopped. Nzchukwu picks up the win as Barnett is injured.

Official Result- Kennedy Nzchukwu def. Chris Barnett by TKO (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1

Nzchukwu looked big and solid in there at heavyweight, but Barnett’s leg injury will overshadow it. Poor Huggy Bear when it comes to the injury, and I hope we see Barnett again.

> Middleweights- Abus Magomedov (26-6-1, 2-2 UFC) vs. Brunno Ferreira (12-1, 3-1 UFC)

Magomedov with a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a left hook to the body. They aren’t doing much as neither is landing. Magomedov then lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a body kick. Magomedov lands a leg kick. Ferreira not doing much. Magomedov with a high kick. Magomedov with a teet kick to the body. Magomedov lands a combination. Magomedov lands a left hand. 10-9 Magomedov.

Ferreira coming forward and lands some as Magomedov lands a body kick. Magomedov lands a left hand. Ferreira lands a left hand. Magomedov with a leg kick. Ferreira lands a combination. Ferreira connects with a right hand and Magomedov lands a leg kick. Ferreira hurts Magomedov with a jab and follows up with a head kick and Magomedov is stumbling around. Magomedov gets a takedown as Ferreira has the neck. Magomedov gets the back and looks for a choke but they scramble up. Ferreira lands a jab. Ferreira lands a body kick and a big left hand. Magomedov shoots for a takedown but Ferreira defends. Ferreira with another left hand and has Magomedov hurt. Ferreira lands but Magomedov is able to get a takedown. Magomedov lands from the back. They scramble and Magomedov ends up inside the guard of Ferreira. Magomedov with some body shots. 10-9 Ferreira, 19-19.

They both land. Magomedov with a solid left hook. Ferreira lands a left hand. Magomedov gets a takedown. He takes the back and looks for a choke but they scramble up. Magomedov gets a takedown. Ferreira lands some elbows but Magomedov gets the mount. Magomedov locks in an arm-triangle choke and gets Ferreira to tap! Magomedov picks up the submission win.

Official Result- Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:14 of Round 3

Magomedov was able to weather a tough second round to get the finish in the third, and this was a solid win for him.

> 160-pound Catchweights- Mateusz Rebecki (19-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (13-1-1, 2-0 UFC)

They tie up for a brief moment but quickly break. Rebecki lands a left hand. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands an uppercut. Rebecki lands two more left hands. They trade leg kicks. Orolbai lands a counter right hand. Rebecki lands a left hand. They trade before a quick clinch. Rebecki with two left hands. Orolbai lands a high kick. Rebecki lands a left hand. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki hurts Orolbai with a left hook. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki throws Orolbai to the mat for a brief moment. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a right hand. 10-9 Rebecki.

Orolbai’s right eye is a mess. He comes rushing out and starts landing. Rebecki lands a left hand. Orolbai with a right hand. Orolbai lands an uppercut. They trade in close range and Orolbai with another uppercut. Rebecki grabs the back and pushes it to the fence. They separate. Rebecki with a left hand. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a right hand. He lands another right hand. Orolbai with an uppercut. Rebecki lands a leg kick then a left hand. Orolbai shoots for a takedown and gets it. Rebecki has a bad cut opened up over his right eye. They scramble to the feet. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai with an uppercut. Orolbai with a big elbow. Orolbai lands a right hand. 10-9 Orolbai, 19-19.

Orolbai lands an elbow. Orolbai with a right hand. They both land and Rebecki hurts Orolbai with a right hand. Rebecki drops Orolbai with a left hand and starts teeing off but Orolbai is able to get to his feet. Rebecki still landing lots of punches and takes Orolbai down. Rebecki in side control and lands. Rebecki with more left hands as they get to their feet. Orolbai gets the back and starts landing right hands. Rebecki ends up on top as they scramble down. Rebecki is pouring blood while landing. Orolbai sweeps to the top and lands to the body then an elbow. Orolbai is bleeding everywhere as well. Orolbai lands but they scramble up. Orolbai lands a right hand. Orolbai with a jab. 10-9 Rebecki, 29-28 Rebecki.

Official Result- Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

This was a wild, crazy, bloody and dramatic fight- one of the best fights of the year. Credit to both men, especially Orolbai, who fought the last two rounds with one eye. Watch this fight.

> Welterweights- #10 Geoff Neal (15-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. #15 LW Rafael Dos Anjos (32-16, 21-14 UFC)

Neal pressing forward and lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Neal drops Dos Anjos with a combination and gets on top. Neal backs off and Dos Anjos is ordered up. They tie up and Neal gets a takedown. Neal backs off and Dos Anjos gets up. Neal rocks Dos Anjos with a left hand and Dos Anjos’ knee pops and he goes down and it is stopped.

Official Result- Geoff Neal def. Rafael Dos Anjos by TKO (injury) at 1:30 of Round 1

This was an unfortunate end due to Dos Anjos injuring his knee, but Neal was in complete control of the fight before it happened. I hope Dos Anjos can bounce back and Neal looked sharp in the 90 seconds it lasted.

> Light Heavyweights- Ibo Aslan (13-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (11-0, 0-0 UFC)

Cerqueira with a leg kick but Aslan stuns him with a jab. Aslan starts unloading with tons of punches and is pouring it on. Cerqueira is trying to cover up but he is getting tagged and it is stopped on the feet. What an explosive finish from Aslan!

Official Result- Ibo Aslan def. Rafael Cerqueira by TKO (punches) at :51 of Round 1

Aslan couldn’t have looked any better in this one. The 205-pound division needs some new contenders coming up and he has potential to be one. It’s a disappointing debut for Cerqueira, but one that he can bounce back from.

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> Middleweights- Shara Magomedov (14-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Armen Petrosyan (8-3, 3-2 UFC)

Petrosyan with a pair of inside leg kicks. Petrosyan with more leg kicks. They trade stiff right hands. Petrosyan with a combination then a right hand as he had Magomedov hurt. They clinch but break. Petrosyan with an inside leg kick. Magomedov with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands a right hand. Petrosyan with more leg kicks. Magomedov lands a big right hand. They trade and Petrosyan lands a knee. They trade leg kicks. Petrosyan with a left hand. Magomedov connects with a left hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade them again. Petrosyan lands some more leg kicks. Magomedov lands a right hand. Magomedov with a side kick. Petrosyan with some leg kicks. Petrosyan with a body kick. Magomedov lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Petrosyan.

Petrosyan pressing forward. They trade kicks and timeout is called for a groin strike. Petrosyan with a leg kick after they restart and Petrosyan lands a right hand. Magomedov lands as they clinch but break apart. Magomedov lands some kicks. Magomedov lands a check hook as Petrosyan was coming forward. Magomedov lands a right hand. Another timeout for a groin strike, this time by Magomedov. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Petrosyan with a body kick. Petrosyan lands a left hand. Petrosyan with a spinning back fist then a body kick. Magomedov with a leg kick. Magomedov lands a right hand. Magomedov drops Petrosyan with a double spinning back fist and it is all over with seconds to go in the round. What a finish from Magomedov!

Official Result- Shara Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan by TKO (punches) at 4:52 of Round 2

This was a tremendous finish from Magomedov, who remains a fighter to keep an eye on as he moves up. He did get off to a slow start, but he’s dangerous and fun to watch.

> Featherweights- #12 Lerone Murphy (14-0-1, 6-0-1 UFC) vs. #14 Dan Ige (18-8, 10-7 UFC)

Ige lands a right hand. Ige with a leg kick. Murphy with a front kick that just misses Ige’s jaw. Ige lands a hard right hand. Ige lands to the body. Murphy lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Ige lands two left hands and scores a takedown. Murphy scrambles after Ige lands and Ige grabs the back. They scramble up and clinch. Murphy lands a knee then some body shots. Ige with an elbow and they separate. Ige was cut open from an elbow by Murphy. Murphy lands a right hand and a back kick. Ige drops Murphy with a left hand and starts landing. Murphy is able to get up but Ige is still landing. Murphy lands a switch knee and they tie up. Murphy gets a takedown. Ige uses a kimura attempt to sweep. 10-9 Ige.

Murphy lands a body kick and a right hand. He lands an elbow as Ige was coming in. Ige lands to the body. They trade in close range after Murphy lands a leg kick. Murphy lands a jab. Ige with a left hand and Murphy lands a spin kick. Ige shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. Murphy with some left hands as he reverses positioning. Murphy with a knee. They break apart. Murphy with a right hand then a front kick and a high kick. Murphy gets a takedown. Murphy gets the full mount but Ige quickly gives up his back. Murphy looks for a triangle choke as Murphy lands some elbows. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19.

Murphy grabs the body and tries for a takedown. They both battle in the tie up but break. Murphy with a head kick that is partially blocked. They scramble to the mat and Ige ends up on top. Both battle to grab a leg. They scramble and Ige remains on top with an arm-triangle choke attempt. He lets go and lands an elbow. Ige gets the back of Murphy. They end up on their feet and its pressed against the fence. Murphy gets it down and lands some punches. Murphy looks for a guillotine choke. Ige gets out and they get to their feet. Ige with a knee. Murphy lands an elbow. Murphy with a big left hand and big knee late. Very close fight. 10-9 Murphy, 29-28 Murphy.

Official Result- Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

This was a close fight that could’ve gone either way, and came down to the third. I felt Murphy did enough. It’s tough to stay undefeated at 145 pounds, and Murphy still is, and he needs a big opponent next.

> Light Heavyweights- #1 Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1 1 NC, 10-1-1 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Aleksandar Rakic (14-4, 6-3 UFC)

Rakic lands a jab. Rakic with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Rakic with another high kick. Rakic with a leg kick and they trade quick punches. They trade kicks and then trade them again. Rakic with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic with a body kick then a leg kick. Ankalaev lands a right hand. Rakic with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. They continue to each land punches and kicks. Rakic with a right hand. Ankalaev lands a left hand. 10-9 Rakic.

They trade leg kicks. Rakic lands a right hand as Ankalaev lands an up elbow. Rakic with a body kick. Ankalaev with a glancing head kick. Rakic lands a right hand. Ankalaev with a right hand and a body kick. Ankalaev lands a right hook. Ankalaev lands a left hand to the body. They trade leg kicks. They trade inside the pocket. Ankalaev with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a combination then a body kick. They clinch. They separate and Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic with a high kick. 10-9 Ankalaev, 19-19.

Rakic lands a right hand and a body kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic with a body kick. Ankalaev pressing forward but Rakic is throwing more though they are connecting evenly. Ankalaev lands a big left hand. He lands another. Rakic looks for a takedown as he is in on a single leg. Ankalaev defending against the fence with short punches. Ankalaev reverses as he lands to the body. Ankalaev with a knee to the body. Ankalaev with a knee to the body then a high one. Ankalaev with more knees to the body. 10-9 Ankalaev, 29-28 Ankalaev.

Official Result- Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ankalaev did enough to pick up the win, but it was close. He should get the next title shot against Alex Pereira. I don’t know that he will fare well against him, though.

> Middleweights- #3 Robert Whittaker (26-7, 17-5 UFC) vs. #13 Khamzat Chimaev (13-0, 7-0 UFC)

Whittaker with a leg kick. He lands another. Chimaev shoots for a takedown and gets the back of Whittaker. They’re sort of on the mat as Chimaev lands a left hand. Chimaev with some knees. Chimaev goes for the hooks but Whittaker scrambles up. Chimaev gets it back down. They scramble and Chimaev remains on top. Chimaev lands some punches and quickly locks in a rear-naked choke and Whittaker taps fast. Chimaev gets the big win and remains undefeated.

Official Result- Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker by submission (face crank) at 3:34 of Round 1

Chimaev couldn’t have looked any better. Is he ready for a title shot? Maybe, but there are some obstacles to overcome there.

> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Ilia Topuria (15-0, 7-0 UFC) vs. #2 Max Holloway (26-7, 22-7 UFC)

Holloway with a body kick. Holloway with two more body kicks. Holloway with a leg kick and a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria scores a takedown. They get to their feet and separate. Topuria with a leg kick as Holloway lands a left hand. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway connects with a pair of jabs. Topuria lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Topuria with a right hand. Topuria with a hard leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Holloway with some kicks and a combination. Holloway lands a solid right hand. Holloway with a left hook after a jab. Topuria lands and Holloway slips. Topuria grabs the back and the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Topuria.

Holloway lands a jab. Holloway lands a stiff right hand. Topuria with a leg kick. Both are landing. Topuria with a calf kick. Topuria with a right hand as Holloway lands the jab. Topuria lands a left hook. Topuria with a right hand. Holloway lands a combo. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway with a combination. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria with a leg kick as Holloway lands a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway lands a big right hand. Topuria with a right hand. Topuria with a right hand as Holloway lands a body kick. Holloway with a spin kick to the body. Another close round. 10-9 Holloway, 19-19.

Holloway with a high kick. Topuria lands a left to the body. Holloway with a combo and a body kick. Topuria with a leg kick. Holloway lands a right hand and then two side kicks to the leg of Topuria. Topuria lands a big right hand and starts throwing but Holloway is able to circle away. Topuria pouring it on and he drops Holloway and finishes it off with shots from the top. What a finish from Topuria!

Official Result- Ilia Topuria def. Max Holloway by knockout (punches) at 1:34 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship

A fantastic fight with a fantastic finish by Topuria. Holloway gave him a tough fight but his power held up as the fight went on. Topuria is going to be hard to beat, and this is a stacked division.