You've probably seen the highlights by now, but honestly, the raw energy of UFC 308 was something else entirely. It wasn't just another numbered event. It was a massive statement from the next generation of fighters.
The Octagon returned to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Because of the time difference, fans in the States had to wake up early—or just stay up late—to catch the main card at a special 2:00 PM ET start time.
It was a weird vibe for a Saturday afternoon. Normally, we’re used to the main event walking out at midnight. Instead, we were watching Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway trade leather while the sun was still up in most of the Western world.
Why UFC 308 Changed the Featherweight Division
The main event was the one everyone was talking about. Ilia Topuria, "El Matador," defending his belt against the legendary Max Holloway. People were skeptical. Can you really knock out Max Holloway? The man has a chin made of granite. He’d never been finished by strikes in over 30 professional fights.
Then the third round happened.
Topuria landed a massive left hook that didn't just drop Holloway; it ended the debate. Topuria is the real deal. By finishing Max at 1:34 of the third round, he became the first person to ever stop "Blessed" with strikes. It was clinical. It was violent. It was exactly what Ilia said he would do.
The Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev's Statement
If the main event was a clinic, the co-main was a car crash. Khamzat Chimaev took on Robert Whittaker, and it was over before "The Reaper" could even find his rhythm.
- Result: Chimaev won via face crank.
- Time: 3:34 of Round 1.
- The Injury: It was gruesome. Whittaker later revealed his jaw was severely compromised during the submission.
Chimaev looked like the "Borz" of old—fast, relentless, and terrifyingly strong. This win basically fast-tracked him to a title shot against Dricus du Plessis. He didn't even take a scratch.
Breaking Down the Full Card
The rest of the night was just as chaotic. Usually, these Abu Dhabi cards are top-heavy, but 308 had depth. Magomed Ankalaev did what he does best, which is winning a disciplined, albeit somewhat safe, decision over Aleksandar Rakić.
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Shara "Bullet" Magomedov opened the main card with a knockout that belongs on every 2024 highlight reel. He used a double spinning backfist to put Armen Petrosyan away. Seriously, who does that? It’s the kind of stuff you only see in video games.
Lerone Murphy also kept his undefeated streak alive, surviving some early trouble against Dan Ige to win a unanimous decision. It was a gritty performance. Murphy showed he can swim in the deep end of the featherweight division.
Where Can You Watch the Replay?
Since UFC 308 has already concluded, you aren't looking for a live stream anymore. You're looking for the tape.
If you want to watch the full event or specific fights like the Topuria-Holloway masterclass, ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the replay in the United States. If you're outside the US, UFC Fight Pass usually carries the replay after a certain blackout period, depending on your local broadcast deals.
Quick Facts You Should Know:
- Date: October 26, 2024.
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
- Attendance: Sold out (as is tradition in the UAE).
- Performance Bonuses: Ilia Topuria and Shara Magomedov were among the fighters who took home an extra $50,000.
Actionable Steps for MMA Fans
Don't just watch the highlights on social media; they don't give you the full story of the pacing and the momentum shifts.
- Watch the Whittaker vs. Chimaev grapple sequence: Pay attention to how Chimaev secures the back almost instantly. It’s a masterclass in chain wrestling.
- Check the Scorecards: Look at how the judges had Topuria vs. Holloway before the finish. Many had it very close, showing just how high-level that chess match was before the knockout.
- Track the Next Move: Keep an eye on the featherweight rankings. With Volkanovski waiting in the wings and Topuria looking invincible, a rematch in Spain seems like the only logical next step for the UFC.
If you missed the live action, go back and watch the prelims too. The fight between Mateusz Rębecki and Myktybek Orolbai was an absolute bloodbath and a contender for Fight of the Year. It’s easily the most underrated fight on the entire card.