Here’s the moment Ilia Topuria punched his name into the UFC history books, becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Holloway is renowned for his iron chin and is often credited with being the best boxer in the UFC, he had never felt defeat via knockout. The featherweight showdown began with a tense back-and-forth as both fighters traded heavy strikes. Topuria, known for his precision and knockout power, established his presence early, yet Holloway’s famous volume kept him in the game. In the second round, Holloway found rhythm, landing rapid combinations, but Topuria’s punches carried more weight, visibly shaking Holloway. The end game came in the third round when Topuria still looked fresh and launched a powerful blow that sent Holloway flying to the canvas. Pouncing on his opponent, Topuria followed up with ground-and-pound until the referee stepped in. This historic win marked Topuria's first successful title defense after dethroning Alexander Volkanovski, solidifying his status as one of the division’s hardest-striking champions. Post-fight, UFC President Dana White even teased the possibility of a rematch between Topuria and Volkanovski, something every fan can get behind as this victory propels Topuria further into the upper echelons of MMA superstardom.

Date: October 28, 2024

Location: UFC 308, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi