Tag: UFC 308

UFC 308 Card Takes Fight-Week Hit With Nurmagomedov Out

It appears that a UFC 308 bout could be hanging in the balance, as the event reportedly encounters a late-notice disruption. UFC 308 is set to take place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main event showcases reigning UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against Max […]

Continue Reading UFC 308 Card Takes Fight-Week Hit With Nurmagomedov Out at MMA News.

It appears that a UFC 308 bout could be hanging in the balance, as the event reportedly encounters a late-notice disruption. UFC 308 is set to take place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main event showcases reigning UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against Max Holloway. Meanwhile, the co-main event will feature a middleweight clash between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev in a high-stakes, five-round showdown.

The scheduled bantamweight clash between Said Nurmagomedov and Daniel Santos, intended to take place on the preliminary card of Saturday’s event, has reportedly been scrapped. According to MMA journalist Damon Martin, the Brazilian withdrew for undisclosed reasons. UFC matchmakers are now searching for a replacement opponent for Nurmagomedov with only five days to spare.

Nurmagomedov has not competed for over a year, with his last appearance in the Octagon resulting in a first-round submission victory against Muin Gafurov at UFC 294 in October 2023. The 32-year-old Russian boasts a 7-2 record in the UFC. He was originally scheduled to face Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia in June, but he ultimately withdrew from the matchup.

The UFC 308 card nearly faced another setback when the welterweight matchup between Rinat Fakhretdinov and Nursulton Ruziboev fell through. Thankfully, UFC debutant Carlos Leal rose to the occasion on a week’s notice, stepping in to fight Fakhretdinov.

Continue Reading UFC 308 Card Takes Fight-Week Hit With Nurmagomedov Out at MMA News.

Dricus Du Plessis’ Coach Says Khamzat Chimaev Will Be ‘Out Of His League’ Against Robert Whittaker

Despite having fought seven times inside the Octagon, the potential of Khamzat Chimaev still has some question marks hanging over it. Listen to anyone that trains with the middleweight contender and they will tell you that he’s the champion in waiting. However, his recent performances and issues with staying active have significantly pumped the breaks […]

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis’ Coach Says Khamzat Chimaev Will Be ‘Out Of His League’ Against Robert Whittaker at MMA News.

Despite having fought seven times inside the Octagon, the potential of Khamzat Chimaev still has some question marks hanging over it. Listen to anyone that trains with the middleweight contender and they will tell you that he’s the champion in waiting.

However, his recent performances and issues with staying active have significantly pumped the breaks on what was once the biggest hype train in the entire sport.

We will find out this weekend at UFC 308 where Chimaev ranks amongst the rest of the middleweight division when he faces former champion Robert Whittaker. “The Reaper” has fought many of the top contenders and has only lost at 185-pounds to two champions in Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis.

Even in a win that looks great on paper over Kamaru Usman last time out, there was some doubters due to how close the fight was despite Usman stepping up a weight class as a short notice replacement for Paulo Costa. This won’t be the same for a victory against someone that is as highly regarded and proven as Whittaker.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Du Plessis’ coach Morne Visser weighed in with his thoughts on the fight. Having spent time preparing his fighter to face Whittaker in the past, he knows how good the former champion is.

He believes that Whittaker won’t just get the win on Saturday night, he will show that Chimaev isn’t ready to compete with the best guys in the weight class.

“That fight against Usman, who’s a genuine welterweight, was way too close for me. His stand-up is, in my opinion, suspect. His wrestling, he couldn’t do anything with Usman and Rob’s stand-up is phenomenal, his wrestling and his ground work’s awesome so I honestly think Khamzat’s out of his league here. He’s gotta go back to welter where he maybe stands a chance to become something or become a champion. At this stage, I honestly think Rob beats Khamzat and I don’t think it’s gonna be on points, he’s going to grind him. Rob’s a tough dude and he’s smart and he’s got a smart team behind him.”

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis’ Coach Says Khamzat Chimaev Will Be ‘Out Of His League’ Against Robert Whittaker at MMA News.

VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev

Fight week for the UFC 308 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway and the co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with featherweight […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev at MMA News.

Fight week for the UFC 308 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway and the co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with featherweight kingpin Topuria (15-0) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a memorable knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 this past February.

If “El Matador” is to continue his rule atop the 145-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Holloway (26-7). “Blessed” will ride a three-fight win streak into his latest opportunity to regain the title, most recently getting the better of Justin Gaethje in brutal fashion up at lightweight to capture the symbolic BMF belt at UFC 300.

Before those two collide in the main event at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, the stakes will be high for a crucial five-round middleweight clash.

After dismantling Ikram Aliskerov in quick time to emerge victorious from the UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia, former champion Whittaker (26-7) will return to the Middle East to face his original opponent for this past June, the undefeated Chimaev (13-0). While “The Reaper” has gone 2-0 this year after outpointing Paulo Costa to open his 2024 campaign, “Borz” hasn’t made the walk since a narrow decision win over Kamaru Usman last October.

Ahead of those two contests in the United Arab Emirates, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 308 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

UFC 308 Countdown: Full Episode

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev at MMA News.

Tom Aspinall previews Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria UFC 308 fight: ‘Topuria can put him down’

Tom Aspinall Max Holloway Ilia TopuriaTom Aspinall is hyped for UFC 308 and has taken time to comb over the intricacies that might decide…

Tom Aspinall Max Holloway Ilia Topuria

Tom Aspinall is hyped for UFC 308 and has taken time to comb over the intricacies that might decide the thrilling main event between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria.

Last in action at UFC 304, Aspinall has been biding his time waiting for Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to settle their business inside the cage finally. In the meantime, Aspinall is keeping his eyes on the combat sports world and is looking forward to the excellent pay-per-view card coming our way this Saturday, October 28th.

In an interview with Adam Catteral of UFC on TNT Sports, the current UFC interim heavyweight champion broke down all the incoming action and spoke on the stylistic matchup between the two fighters.

Tom Aspinall speaks on the incoming mega Banger between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at UFC 308

“Being a bit of a shorter guy, what he does really well, Ilia Topuria, is shorter arms so with this fight, he’s going to be looking to get inside and the body hooks, the low kicks and the shot in is what he’s looking for” Tom Aspinall began (H/T Sportskeeda). “Max Holloway (has a) completely contrasting style.”

“The only similar thing is they both like to box, quite a lot,” Aspinall continued. “Max Holloway’s style, he’ll have his hands quite low and his chin quite high… The volume of punches that he throws in a fight is unbelievable. The guy has got ridiculous conditioning.”

When the UFC interim heavyweight champion was asked if he believed whether or not Topuria would attempt to utilize his grappling, he responded:

“I think he’s going to keep him guessing with the takedowns, yeah. It is (hard to take Holloway down), but the threat is there and sometimes that can affect your defensive boxing a little bit because you’re thinking about the takedowns. The hands are low, you’re getting ready for a shot all the time and punches are coming over the top.”

“I think and I’m going to go out there and say, Ilia Topuria can put him down,” Tom Aspinall continued. “He’s got the power to and he mixes it up so well between the disciplines.”

In the interview below, skip to the 6:00 minute mark to hear Aspinall’s breakdown for yourself.

Tom Aspinall previews Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria UFC 308 fight: ‘Topuria can put him down’

Tom Aspinall Max Holloway Ilia TopuriaTom Aspinall is hyped for UFC 308 and has taken time to comb over the intricacies that might decide…

Tom Aspinall Max Holloway Ilia Topuria

Tom Aspinall is hyped for UFC 308 and has taken time to comb over the intricacies that might decide the thrilling main event between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria.

Last in action at UFC 304, Aspinall has been biding his time waiting for Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to settle their business inside the cage finally. In the meantime, Aspinall is keeping his eyes on the combat sports world and is looking forward to the excellent pay-per-view card coming our way this Saturday, October 28th.

In an interview with Adam Catteral of UFC on TNT Sports, the current UFC interim heavyweight champion broke down all the incoming action and spoke on the stylistic matchup between the two fighters.

Tom Aspinall speaks on the incoming mega Banger between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at UFC 308

“Being a bit of a shorter guy, what he does really well, Ilia Topuria, is shorter arms so with this fight, he’s going to be looking to get inside and the body hooks, the low kicks and the shot in is what he’s looking for” Tom Aspinall began (H/T Sportskeeda). “Max Holloway (has a) completely contrasting style.”

“The only similar thing is they both like to box, quite a lot,” Aspinall continued. “Max Holloway’s style, he’ll have his hands quite low and his chin quite high… The volume of punches that he throws in a fight is unbelievable. The guy has got ridiculous conditioning.”

When the UFC interim heavyweight champion was asked if he believed whether or not Topuria would attempt to utilize his grappling, he responded:

“I think he’s going to keep him guessing with the takedowns, yeah. It is (hard to take Holloway down), but the threat is there and sometimes that can affect your defensive boxing a little bit because you’re thinking about the takedowns. The hands are low, you’re getting ready for a shot all the time and punches are coming over the top.”

“I think and I’m going to go out there and say, Ilia Topuria can put him down,” Tom Aspinall continued. “He’s got the power to and he mixes it up so well between the disciplines.”

In the interview below, skip to the 6:00 minute mark to hear Aspinall’s breakdown for yourself.

Max Holloway Answers Ilia Topuria’s “First 10 Seconds” Challenge at UFC 308

Max Holloway, Ilia TopuriaBMF titleholder Max Holloway doesn’t seem keen on accepting Ilia Topuria’s invitation for a wild slugfest in the opening…

Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria

BMF titleholder Max Holloway doesn’t seem keen on accepting Ilia Topuria’s invitation for a wild slugfest in the opening seconds of their UFC 308 headliner.

Holloway and Topuria will square off in the UFC 308 main event on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Topuria will make his first UFC featherweight title defense against the former champion Holloway, who returns to 145lbs after finishing Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Tensions have ramped up between Holloway and Topuria in recent weeks leading up to one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year. Topuria has his eyes on the fastest knockout in UFC history against Holloway, who has never lost by TKO/KO in his professional career.

Topuria recently pitched an early sequence at UFC 308 similar to Holloway’s knockout finish he earned at UFC 300. But, Holloway believes Topuria doesn’t understand the purpose of the ‘point down, and throw’ strategy he took in the closing seconds against Gaethje.

Max Holloway Questions Ilia Topuria’s “Boxing IQ” After Recent Challenge

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Holloway scoffed at Topuria’s promise of an early slugfest at UFC 308.

“The point down moment — I don’t think he gets the gist of it,” Holloway responded to Topuria. “At the end of the day the point down, it’s something that you do towards the ending of the fight. If something is going good, if the fight is entertaining or you’re winning, you give the other guy a shot. The moment is the moment for a reason…

“The belt is called the ‘Blessed Man Forever’ or what you guys want to call ‘the baddest mother ‘effer,’” Holloway continued. “If the belt was the ‘DMF,’ the dumbest mother ‘effer, then maybe I would get sucked into it. It’s far from that. Like what I told you, and I told him, he talks about being a boxer — that’s not very much boxer IQ’ish of him, but we’ll see what happens.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

If Holloway or Topuria breaks Jorge Masvidal’s fastest knockout record (0:05 vs. Ben Askren), it’ll be one of the most jaw-dropping moments in mixed martial arts history. But, both fighters have proven their power in recent fights, especially after Topuria finished Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.

Topuria vs. Holloway headlines one of the biggest cards of 2024, but fans shouldn’t feel overly hopeful about seeing a phone-booth brawl as they take the center of the Octagon.