UFC 308 has a major main event, with 145-pound champion Ilia Topuria scheduled to defend his belt against current BMF titleholder and former featherweight champ Max Holloway on Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Topuria opened as a -180 favorite for the fight, his first defense of the featherweight title since taking the belt from Alexander Volkanovski via second-round knockout in February. Holloway is a +150 underdog coming off a dramatic fifth-round knockout win over Justin Gaethje for the ceremonial BMF title at UFC 300 in April.
The undefeated Topuria rocketed to the top of the division due primarily to his striking skills. Five of his seven UFC bouts have ended inside the distance, with all but one of those wins coming by way of knockout in the first two rounds.
Holloway has been one of featherweight’s most consistent fighters for the past decade, with only the former champion Volkanovski defeating him at 145 pounds during that span. Holloway is less known for his power than Topuria and tends to rely on volume striking that wears opponents down with a high pace and relentless attack over the course of multiple rounds.
With both men favoring the stand-up game, the fight is likely to be contested almost entirely on the feet. Topuria is younger by five years, but Holloway may be older than his chronological age due to his many lengthy battles in the cage. Nine of Holloway’s last 10 fights have gone five rounds, while Topuria has gone five rounds just once in his pro career.
