The stage is officially set for this weekend’s UFC 308 event in Abu Dhabi, as fighters hit their marks at the official weigh-ins earlier today. Fans are in for an unforgettable evening as a loaded card promises a mix of intense competition, championship stakes, and international flavor.
In the main event, the reigning featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria (145 lbs), will defend his title against No. 2 ranked Max Holloway (145 lbs) in what is expected to be a high-octane showdown.
Both fighters weighed in on target, with Holloway stating, ‘one will sleep on Saturday night’. Meanwhile, Topuria told the fans he will show them why he is the best on Saturday night.
Topuria, known for his powerful boxing and submission skills, is set to face the dynamic striking and ironclad durability of Holloway, one of the division’s all-time greats. For Topuria, this defense marks his chance to cement himself as the true king of the featherweights, while Holloway looks to reclaim the title and further his legacy in the Octagon.
Both fighters displayed fierce confidence on the scale. Topuria, laser-focused, spoke of ‘proving a point’ against a former champion, while Holloway, visibly relaxed but all-business, hinted at his intent to use experience to outclass the younger champion. With the featherweight title hanging in the balance, Abu Dhabi is set to witness a battle between a reigning champ hungry for dominance and a veteran eager to add to his championship resume.
Illia Topuria and Max Holloway have made weight for their featherweight title fight at UFC 308
Holloway has won his last three fights, including a BMF title KO over Justin Gaethje in April
Topuria is undefeated in 15 professional fights and dethroned Alexander Volkanovski to win the title
In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker (185.5 lbs) and Khamzat Chimaev (186 lbs) both hit the scales precisely, preparing fans for a potential Fight of the Night clash with middleweight title implications.
Whittaker, a former champion and No. 3 ranked middleweight, brings a versatile striking game and a relentless pace. Known for his gruelling wars with top contenders, he’s intent on stopping Chimaev’s rise.
For Chimaev, this fight represents his opportunity to break into the top echelon of the division. Chimaev’s last fights showcased his suffocating wrestling and vicious ground-and-pound, and with his undefeated record, he’s looking to prove he’s ready for a title shot. The atmosphere heated up as the fighters briefly faced off, Whittaker exuding confidence as Chimaev seemed ready to answer with his trademark intensity.
Three other notable bouts round out the preliminary card with equally compelling matchups. Magomed Ankalaev (204.5 lbs) takes on Aleksandar Rakic (206 lbs) in a Light Heavyweight bout. This clash between two top-tier light heavyweights promises fireworks as Ankalaev’s precision striking meets Rakic’s power and range.
In another featherweight clash, Lerone Murphy (145.5 lbs) will fight Dan Ige (146 lbs). Both are known for explosive performances, and Ige’s grappling could pose an intriguing challenge to Murphy’s slick stand-up.
Khamzat Chimaev faces the toughest test of his career when he takes on Robert Whittaker in Saturday’s co-main event
Rising star Shara Magomedov (185 lbs) will face Armen Petrosyan (186 lbs) in a Middleweight bout with fireworks written all over it. Magomedov’s powerful striking and Petrosyan’s aggressive style make this a fight that could end in a highlight-reel finish.
As the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi, fans can expect high energy from a card stacked with international talent and high-stakes matchups. The main event between Topuria and Holloway has the potential to reshape the featherweight division, while Whittaker and Chimaev’s co-main could decide the next middleweight title challenger.
Watch UFC 308 exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 5pm on Saturday 26 October. For more info: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
