Ilia Topuria surprised Max Holloway to retain the UFC featherweight title at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi – inflicting the primary knockout defeat of the American’s glittering profession.
Spain’s Topuria rocked former champion Holloway within the third spherical earlier than ending the struggle with a thudding left hook.
Topuria’s win follows his knockout of Alexander Volkanovski in February, cementing the 27-year-old as the person of the second and the way forward for the division.
“To beat a legend like Max Holloway, I am unable to imagine it you realize, he impressed me a lot in my profession,” stated Topuria.
“He is been an amazing instance for the era. I characterize the brand new era.”
Topuria was making the primary defence of his belt after stunning Volkanovski eight months in the past, ending the Australian’s four-year title reign.
It has been a speedy rise for Topuria within the UFC, ending 5 of seven opponents since his 2020 debut earlier than this contest, however in Holloway he was dealing with one of the adorned athletes in UFC historical past.
Holloway is a former featherweight champion, reigning for 2 years from 2017, and holds a number of information within the division, together with probably the most victories (20), finishes (11) and longest win streak (13).
Holloway’s knockout of Justin Gaethje in April went viral after he pointed to the ground and invited his fellow American to face and swing, and Topuria had promised to repeat the gesture in the beginning of their bout in Abu Dhabi.
Cheered on by Actual Madrid legend Sergio Ramos at octagon-side, Topuria adopted by means of on his promise however Holloway declined, selecting to start out the competition in typical style.
Topuria utilized the early stress with Holloway backing as much as keep away from any damaging photographs.
The Spaniard then landed the primary takedown, earlier than attacking with leg kicks when the struggle returned to the toes.
Holloway responded as he settled into his vary, touchdown jabs and fast left-right combos to maintain Topuria at bay.
With each fighters discovering success – Topuria with a stinging left hook and Holloway with a counter proper – the gang roared because the struggle entered the third spherical.
After Holloway landed two kicks, drawing a finger gesture in response from Topuria, the Spaniard delivered the defining second of the bout.
In Holloway’s 30-fight profession, he has hardly been wobbled, however a crushing proper hand from Topuria resulted within the American staggering backwards in shock.
With Holloway harm, Topuria went on the assault earlier than knocking him out for the primary time with an ideal left hook.
Topuria celebrated by pretending to drink a cup of tea, earlier than climbing out of the octagon to have fun with Ramos.
