Ilia Topuria Makes History, Becomes First to Knock Out Holloway

At UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, Ilia Topuria solidified his place among the featherweight elite with a knockout victory over Max Holloway. Known for his iron chin, Holloway had never been finished in his professional career. Topuria, who claimed the featherweight title from Alexander Volkanovski, showcased his power, defending his title for the first time in historic fashion.

Round-by-Round Analysis

Topuria opened the first round by taking control of the octagon’s center, gesturing to Holloway for a stand-up exchange. Holloway initially resisted, favoring a tactical approach, but began landing significant strikes. Topuria kept the round close, landing a powerful shot toward the end, which may have swayed the score in his favor.

The second round was high-paced and packed with action. Holloway’s speed allowed him to land several strikes, showcasing his renowned stamina. Topuria, while landing fewer hits, made each strike count, bringing visible impact with every connection. Both fighters were showing damage, but Holloway’s consistent pace gave him a slight edge.

The Third Round and Topuria’s Knockout

In the third round, Topuria saw his moment, landing a massive blow that floored Holloway. Following with relentless strikes, Topuria forced the referee to stop the fight, sealing his victory. As the first fighter to knock out Holloway, Topuria added a historic achievement to his career.

UFC President Dana White hinted at a possible rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski, signaling an exciting future in the featherweight division. With this victory, Topuria has proven his status among the division’s best.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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