What Will Happen After UFC 307? All eyes are on Abu Dhabi’s UFC 308.
As of October 7, 2024, by Harvey Leonard
While the excitement surrounding UFC 307 in Salt Lake City is still present, everyone’s attention is now focused on UFC 308, the next enormous event, which is set for October 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With prominent fighters like Alex Pereira, Julianna Peña, Kayla Harrison, and Joaquin Buckley shining under the bright lights at the Delta Centre, the showdown has come to an end, and everyone is eager to see what will happen next.
However, this isn’t just another UFC event—rather, it’s a titanic battle that will go down in MMA history. the primary event? It’s none other than Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champion, who electrified the UFC community earlier this year by thumping Alexander Volkanovski to win the title. Topuria, whose name inspires both dread and awe, is returning to defend his championship against BMF champion Max Holloway. The amazing run that both guys are on is what makes this matchup so exciting, but only one will take home the belt.
The fighters and the stakes could hardly be higher. Still ravenous.
Holloway vs. Topuria: The Featherweight Crown Match
The ascent to prominence of Ilia Topuria has been nothing short of extraordinary. The MMA community was shocked by his knockout victory over Volkanovski. He is known as “El Matador” for his deadly combination of speed, accuracy striking, and pure willpower. Max Holloway, the previous featherweight champion, will be his opponent this time around. Though Holloway’s path back to the championship match has been difficult and full of heartaches as well as victories, one thing is certain: he has never been more desperate for atonement.
This fight is about more than just the belt; it’s about dominance, legacy, and identifying the real warrior inside the cage. Fans of Holloway are holding their breath because they know that “Blessed” won’t back down from a gunfight. Who will leave Abu Dhabi with the belt, and who else? Well, let’s start a fresh chapter.
Chimaev v. Whittaker: The Unresolved Matter
Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker will be attempting to maintain his momentum in 2024 following a strong year in the co-main event. Fans were disappointed as the bout against Khamzat Chimaev, which was scheduled for June, was cancelled. The time for reckoning is now here. The former middleweight champion Whittaker is hoping to make another run at the title, but first he needs to get past the unstoppable Chimaev, who has emerged as the division’s most dangerous fighter. Two of the best chess players in the division will engage in a gruelling duel in this match.
Fans should watch for this fight alone, but what about the main event? The UFC 308 is about to blow up.
Magomedov, Murphy, and Ankalaev: Up-and-Comers in Line
Several other fighters are prepared to enter the cage and create their own impressions before to the championship fireworks. Dan Ige and rising featherweight prospect Lerone Murphy will square off in what promises to be an absolute brawl. Murphy’s ascent up the ranks has been nothing short of amazing, but navigating Ige is not simple. As the victor gets closer to a crack at the championship, the stakes are great for both.
Meanwhile, the highly regarded Aleksandar Rakić will square off against #2 contender Magomed Ankalaev at light heavyweight. The outcome of this fight might very well determine who gets to contend for the light heavyweight championship next, creating a title match that might determine the direction the division takes in the future.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Known for his electrifying exploits in Abu Dhabi, Sharabutdin Magomedov is back in the saddle against Armen Petrosyan. Magomedov is a huge favourite of the Middle Eastern public, so when he enters the Octagon, the atmosphere inside Etihad Arena will definitely explode with excitement.
Strength on the Undercard: Dos Anjos, Neal, Nurmagomedov, and Others
Not that the opening card is short on star power either. Rafael dos Anjos, the former lightweight champion, and Geoff Neal will square off in a welterweight bout that might easily be the main event of any other promotion. Neal is equally as driven to leave his mark as Dos Anjos is to restore his place among the top.
Watch out for up-and-coming talents like Kennedy Nzechukwu, Said Nurmagomedov, and Mateusz Rębecki as well; they’re all keen to make an impact on fight night. Each fighter on this card understands that a win may catapult them into UFC superstardom, so every match bears significance.
