Almost all of the UFC featherweight champions seem to be in Abu Dhabi. During UFC 308 fight week, it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed. Max Holloway challenges current champ Ilia Topuria in the main event. The man Topuria beat for the gold, Alexander Volkanovski, was also in Abu Dhabi. It’s a devil’s love triangle for the featherweight blimp.
On Tuesday, Topuria and Holloway had separate encounters with their former and possibly future rival Volk. Spaniard Ilia Topuria bagged gold at UFC 298 with a KO over Alexander Volkanovski. But, it was all respectful between the duo at the UFC Host hotel. Max Holloway, 0-3 against the Aussie, also had a moment with him. Volk is keeping a close eye out after his UFC 298 title loss.
Volkanovski says he’s been promised the winner of the highly anticipated UFC 308 PPV headliner. But, if there’s a hiccup for a quick turnaround, he’s open to an interim belt contention. Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski is eyeing a return for UFC 312 in February. The short or long way of it, he knows the 145 title is next. Hence, a friendly dap-up is just a step toward aligning the ladder.
It’s all respect between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski 🤝
🎥 @alexvolkanovski #UFC308 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/2FEeYZjgQr
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 22, 2024
Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski have a respectful interaction during #UFC308 fight week. 🤝
Is a fourth fight coming after Saturday? pic.twitter.com/nI73fdFT9a
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 22, 2024
Feels good to be back #InAbuDhabi 👏#UFC308 | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/pW4YZpnUgW
— UFC (@ufc) October 22, 2024
Familiar foes 🤝#UFC308 | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/FlUyCY7HQi
— UFC (@ufc) October 22, 2024
Volk stepping down his double-dip 155 aspirations has certain gatekeeper risks. Compared to Young Blood or “Baddest of All” redemption arcs, Old Man Volk has done it all. He has had a 5-0 reign as the top UFC pound-for-pound. Yet, he plans to be there in attendance at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The UFC 308 main card begins at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) on pay-per-view.
UFC 308 pre-event facts: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
The 12th numbered UFC event is back in Abu Dhabi yet again. One of the most anticipated title fights of the year headlines the card. UFC 308 features a main card that sees Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria duke it out. The nine-fight preliminary card will air on ESPN+.
Ilia Topuria stringed together a 15-0 streak with almost just as many stoppages to earn his title shot. Topuria became the first Georgian champion in UFC history at UFC 298. Ever since, the concise hitter has had an immense surge in his brand value and popularity.
As one of the five featherweight titleholders, he defends 65.4 percent of his opponents’ significant striking attempts in the weight class. Behind Youssef Zalal (66.8 percent), this is the second-highest rate among active fighters in the weight class.
Max Holloway, a former 145 mainstay, returned to lightweight after five years. He won the “BMF” title at 155 lbs with his time-defying shock KO at the UFC 300 PPV. Now, he is dropping down in his best shape and with the “Baddest of All” moniker to challenge the gold consequently. “Blessed” is the only fighter in UFC history to win an interim, undisputed, and BMF strap.
Consequently, Holloway can become only the second double featherweight champ in UFC history. Jose Aldo also achieved the feat. Holloway’s 22 victories in UFC competition are tied for fourth-most. Meanwhile, his 11 stoppages are the most in the division. Hence, this Saturday is a real puncher’s chance for both of them.
