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Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria emphatically delivered on his promise to knock out Max Holloway on Saturday, becoming the first person to do so in Holloway’s illustrious career.
Topuria (16-0) dropped Holloway (26-8) with a left hook before finishing him off with hammerfists at 1:34 of the third round. The featherweight title fight headlined UFC 308 inside Etihad Arena and marked Topuria’s first title defense. He won the belt in February with a sensational knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, another all-time great of the featherweight division.
“To beat a legend like Max Holloway, I couldn’t believe it,” Topuria said. “I followed his entire career, he inspired me so much in my career. He’s been a great example of a generation. I’ve always said that I represent the new generation. I hope I’ll be a small example for the new generation. All credit to Max Holloway.”
It was a classic performance by Topuria, who is the UFC’s youngest current champion at age 27. He walked through Holloway’s volume striking to eventually find the timing and range on his right hand.
At times, it appeared Holloway was on his way to leading the dance and assuming control, but Topuria’s pressure and power were relentless. He hurt Holloway badly with a right hand, moments before dropping him with the left hook.
“I caught him with many punches, but exactly with that right hand, I felt it,” Topuria said. “I saw it in his face, he started to make step backs. You don’t see that often in Max Holloway.”
The victory sets up Topuria with several options, although a rematch with Volkanovski is most likely. Volkanovski was in attendance at UFC 308 and told ESPN he is anxious to accept the fight, regardless of time or place.
The UFC has explored the possibility of hosting a major event in Spain, where Topuria resides, as early as 2025, although nothing official has been announced. The UFC also has a card in February in Sydney, where Volkanovski is from.
Asked if Volkanovski would be next for Topuria, UFC president Dana White seemed keen on the idea, saying at his postfight news conference, “We’re not going to say no to Volkanovski.”
Another option for Topuria is Diego Lopes, a rising Brazilian Mexican contender who is coming off an impressive decision win over former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega. Lopes weighed in as the backup for UFC 308, but he is likely just behind Volkanovski in line for a title shot.
Topuria has always said he is happy to grant Volkanovski a rematch, even though Volkanovski has not made an appearance since they met in February.
Holloway, 32, falls to 0-4 in his past four title fights. Three of those four came against Volkanovski. He promised after Saturday’s bout he would return.
“He just landed a shot, and I guess it hurt much more than I thought it did,” Holloway said. “Hats off to him. No excuses. I went out here and did my thing. He was just the better man tonight.”