UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, who claimed his title eight months ago through a knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski, is all set to reenter the Octagon for his next face-off. This bout sees him up against former titleholder Max Holloway, headlining the UFC 308’s main card feature taking place in the United Arab Emirates.
Given that UFC 308 will be aired from UAE, viewers must adjust their expectations regarding the usual viewing schedule. The main card kicks off at 2 p.m. Eastern and 11 a.m. Pacific time, making it a day event compared to its usual late-night U.S. showings.
One of the highlights of the event features fourth-ranked pound-for-pound UFC fighter, Ilia Topuria. Not only does he carry his well-earned reputation into the Octagon, but he also brings the anticipation of fans eagerly waiting for his first title defense.
Also on the card is co-ranked No. 1 light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev, who will look to assert his dominance against fifth-ranked Aleksandar Rakic. In addition, Robert Whittaker, ranked No. 3 in the middleweight division, will attempt to deliver Khamzat Chimaev, ranked No. 13, his maiden loss.
Topuria’s bout is particularly note-worthy, having toppled Volkanovski, a fighter not many expected him to defeat, on February 17. He managed to secure an early victory in the second round at 2:32, maintaining his streak of early-stage wins.
In this bout, he’s pitted against former titleholder, Max Holloway. Holloway reigned supreme in the featherweight division for almost three years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Can he regain the title that hasn’t been his since 2019? The possibilities might seem bleak, considering Holloway was defeated thrice by Volkanovski, who in turn lost to Topuria.
The UFC 308 main card commences with an exciting undefeated middleweight clash between Shara Magomedov (14-0) and Armen Petrsyan (9-3). Magomedov, slightly favored, is getting his second shot at a key UFC event.
Interestingly, Magomedov’s prior major event was also in the same venue, Etihad Arena, when he participated in UFC 294. However, that opportunity had him as the initial prelim bout.
Following the middleweight event, there’s a featherweight showdown between 12th-ranked Lerone Murphy (14-0-1) and 14th-ranked Dan Ige (18-8). Murphy enters the clash as a clear favorite due to his superior reach and Ige’s recent two losses in his past three bouts.
Ige had lost his previous bout at UFC 303 in June, having been notified just four hours prior to stepping in and replacing Diego Lopes. This time around, he is likely making a comeback with ample preparation time.
Meanwhile, Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, is yet to find a challenging opponent for his next title defense. Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1) or Jiri Prochazka could be strong contenders, depending both on rankings and Pereira’s past records.
However, in order for Ankalaev to throw his hat in the ring for a title shot, he must first triumph over 5th-ranked challenger Aleksandar Rakic (14-4). Based on predictions, this bout leans heavily in favor of being the evening’s most lopsided fight.
In the middleweight division, Robert Whittaker (27-7), standing tall at No. 3 position, is a good ten ranks above UFC’s Khamzat Chimaev (13-0). Yet, the odds makers are not entirely persuaded that the rank positioning is justified.
Chimaev, despite his lower rank, hasn’t fought since October 2023. Renowned for his swift and decisive bouts, he’s only been made to go the distance twice.
The anticipation that surrounds Chimaev’s return after a string of quick and successful fights is understandably significant. Will the betting odds prove accurate or will we see an upset? As the UFC 308 unfolds, these questions will be answered.