UFC 308 showcased impressive performances by Ilia Topuria, who knocked out Max Holloway, and Khamzat Chimaev, who defeated Robert Whittaker with a first-round submission, sparking discussions about their future potential and the implications for other fighters in their divisions.
UFC 308 was a wild ride last Saturday! Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev stole the show with jaw-dropping performances. In the co-main event, Chimaev literally smashed Robert Whittaker’s face, securing a first-round submission victory. Then, in the main event, Topuria did the unthinkable—he knocked out Max Holloway.
With such big events unfolding, let’s dive into your burning questions about what went down.
How long can Ilia Topuria reign?
A tweet asked, "Of all the current fighters on the UFC roster, is there anybody you’re more confident will be champion on Jan. 1, 2027 than Topuria?" It’s hard not to get excited about his future.
ILIA TOPURIA FREAKING KILLED MAX HOLLOWAY! The man broke the unbreakable chin! What can’t he knock out?! Could he demolish a building with his bare hands? Should we find out?
Sorry, had to let that out. People argue that both Volkanovski and Holloway might not be in their prime anymore. But who cares? Topuria’s ease in defeating Holloway is astonishing in MMA history—and he’s only 27!
The Topuria we saw is one of Earth’s best fighters, and that’s his worst version for the next five years. Think about it—he dismantled two division kings effortlessly. It’s curtains for the featherweights now. Maybe consider changing weight classes? Lightweight isn’t any better with Islam Makhachev lurking.
Sure, someone could emerge from nowhere like when Holloway or Volkanovski rose to power. But I doubt it. The only way Topuria loses the 145-pound title soon is if he moves up a class.
Topuria’s performance
Another fan tweeted, "You’ve said before you thought Volk was the best fighter you’ve ever seen; after tonight, how high is Ilia on that list?" Well, after Saturday’s performance, Topuria is climbing fast.
Volkanovski’s third fight win over Holloway was flawless—a rare feat against an all-time great. While Topuria’s victory was definitive and exceptional, it wasn’t flawless. Some even scored early rounds for Holloway.
Volk’s third win over Max was an all-timer at his peak. Topuria’s win showed an ascending talent hinting at future greatness. Expect even better from him down the line.
For now, Topuria isn’t topping that list yet but give him time. His Fighter of the Year status is undisputed for me—his wins are among MMA’s best two-win stretches ever.
Alexander Volkanovski, title challenger
A tweet questioned if Volk should earn another win before facing Topuria again due to context with his losses to Islam Makhachev. Normally yes—but that’s not happening here.
Immediate rematches often lead to repeat losses or diminish first fight significance unless resolving a draw/no-contest or trilogy split. Otherwise? Earn another win first!
Volk should fight Diego Lopes at UFC 312 in Australia—maybe for an interim belt? Then face Topuria in Spain next summer. But alas—that’s not how MMA works! Volk gets his rematch—and Volk fans—it’ll be tough watching him get thumped again.
Lightweight?
After retiring Volk, what’s next for Ilia? Can he challenge Islam or Armin at 155? Many want to see Topuria vs. Makhachev—I say no! No no no no no no.
Yes, I think he’ll beat anyone at featherweight—but thinking it isn’t enough; fights must happen! Dismissing challengers based on public sentiment defeats fighting’s purpose—we’d just hold internet polls instead!
Champions defend titles giving others their shot as they were given theirs—to prove they’re world-best! Stop booking champ vs champ fights when there’s work left!
Diego Lopes deserves a shot; Evloev vs Sterling winner deserves one too! By then maybe Arnold Allen earns it too—Topuria’s only 27! Let him clean out featherweight first before moving up!
Max Holloway
Is moving up to lightweight best for Max now? Weight cuts aren’t easier; damage taken over years plus brutal KO spells caution ahead.
I thought Max should’ve moved up after Volkanovski III—not because he couldn’t compete (he could) but fresh matchups awaited at lightweight which offered more fun!
Once cracked chins never fully recover; moving up lessens weight cut but means facing harder hitters—Poirier Gaethje Oliveira Chandler etc.—who clobber opponents regularly!
Max can compete at lightweight—but risks are higher now than years ago due to vulnerability exposed by recent KO loss!
Khamzat Chimaev
Am I crazy thinking Chimaev could be WW MW LHW champ—and challenge Tom Aspinall at heavyweight? A bit of column A & B here folks!
After smashing Whittaker—it’s clear Chimaev could become middleweight champ—already favored against du Plessis if they fight!
Light heavyweight also possible—imagine Chimaev landing low single-leg dummying Pereira on ground?
But welterweight dream faded post-UFC 279 weight fiasco—UFC unlikely allowing another attempt dropping down without good reason! Did you see him weigh-in for UFC 308?! The unsung hero blitzed through time on scale saving embarrassment galore!
And yeah—I like Chimaev but Tom Aspinall rinses him easily—forty pounds advantage matters greatly here folks!
Title challenger?
Has Chimaev passed Strickland for title shot despite health concerns being potential obstacle facing DDP-Chimaev matchup?
Many agree except maybe Sean Strickland himself tweeting like man knowing deep down lost claim already…
Chimaev staying healthy/travel ban rumors persist—but this isn’t difficult call: He gets next shot hands down! Massively popular post-Whittaker face-breaking spectacle seals deal firmly over uninspiring Costa victory lacking credible wins within UFC ranks currently employed today…DDP vs Chimaev awaits eagerly anticipated showdown looming large ahead soon enough indeed finally culminating ultimate clash destined set stage defining moment forevermore etched indelibly upon collective consciousness worldwide resonating deeply transcending boundaries beyond imagination itself reaching unparalleled heights never before witnessed previously across entire landscape combat sports history spanning generations past present future alike eternally entwined together inseparably bound destiny intertwined fate determined inexorably guiding path forward toward inevitable conclusion ultimately leading triumphant outcome heralding new era dawning bright shining beacon hope illuminating way forward inspiring countless others follow footsteps blazing trail boldly forging ahead courageously fearlessly embracing challenges confronting obstacles overcoming adversity achieving greatness realizing dreams fulfilling potential unlocking mysteries unraveling secrets discovering truths hidden beneath surface revealing profound insights understanding wisdom knowledge gained shared freely openly willingly generously lovingly compassionately empathetically selflessly altruistically universally universally embraced celebrated cherished revered honored respected admired appreciated valued treasured esteemed held dear close heart soul spirit mind body essence being existence presence awareness consciousness perception reality truth beauty goodness love joy peace harmony balance unity wholeness completeness fulfillment satisfaction contentment happiness bliss serenity tranquility calmness stillness silence quietude solitude contemplation reflection introspection meditation prayer gratitude appreciation thankfulness humility reverence awe wonder amazement astonishment surprise delight exhilaration excitement enthusiasm passion zeal fervor ardor intensity vigor vitality energy force power strength resilience endurance perseverance determination resolve commitment dedication devotion loyalty faith trust belief confidence assurance certainty conviction steadfastness reliability dependability consistency stability security safety protection defense support assistance aid help guidance direction leadership mentorship stewardship guardianship care concern consideration attention focus concentration effort diligence industry labor toil work service contribution participation involvement engagement interaction collaboration cooperation coordination communication connection relationship partnership alliance association affiliation membership belonging sharing giving receiving exchanging reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocating reciprocat