Ilia Topuria scores third-round knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308

Ilia Topuria promised he would knock out Max Holloway and fulfilled that promise with a stunning third-round knockout in the main event of UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

For weeks, the featherweight champion bragged that he would be the first fighter to finish Holloway, beckoning the Hawaiian to meet him for a brawl in the center of the octagon. Holloway relented and the two engaged in a high-stakes boxing match, pitting Holloway's volume against the pressure and power of Topurias.

It was a tough affair for two rounds as Holloway's punch pierced the Spaniard's defences. But Topuria's speed allowed him to roll in with powerful punches that caught the BMF champion's attention.

In the third round, Topuria (16-0) finally broke through, hitting Holloway (26-8) with a right hand that put the former champion on skates. Topuria gave chase and fired a sharp left-handed shot that sent Holloway to the canvas. A few more strikes later, Topuria secured his first successful title defense against one of the greatest featherweights of all time.

“I don’t know what to say when I beat a legend like Max Hollway,” Topuria said. “I couldn't believe it. He is the old generation and I represent the new generation. I hope to be a small part of the example he set for me.”

Topuria has now knocked out Alexander Volkanovski and Holloway in back-to-back fights.

“He just landed a shot and I guess it hurt a lot more than I thought it would,” Holloway said. “Hats off to him. No excuses. I went out here and did my thing. He was just the better man tonight.”