Hey fight fans! UFC 308 was a rollercoaster of intense matchups, unexpected knockouts, and masterful moments in the octagon. While the prelims had their highs and lows, the main card absolutely delivered, bringing us unforgettable performances and setting the stage for the future. Here’s a breakdown of the main highlights and what’s next for these fighters.

Main Event: Ilia Topuria Knocks Out Max Holloway

Ilia Topuria shocked the world, taking down Max Holloway with a third-round KO. Known for his incredible chin, Holloway had never been knocked out before, making Topuria’s win a historic moment. The win sparked debates about Topuria’s punching power, even comparing him to heavy hitters like Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. With his refined boxing and footwork, Topuria made a statement, earning himself a shot at Alexander Volkanovski in what could be another career-defining bout.

Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev Crushes Robert Whittaker

Khamzat Chimaev put on a dominant performance, running through Robert Whittaker in the first round. Known for his relentless pace, Chimaev’s grappling and neck crank forced Whittaker to tap out in record time. Chimaev’s recent training appears to have taken his game to the next level, and a title shot is now clearly within reach. The question is whether Chimaev can maintain this momentum as he steps closer to the top.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić: A Battle of Strategy

Magomed Ankalaev secured a decision win over Aleksandar Rakić, showcasing his fast hands and accurate striking. The fight strategy, however, seemed to falter when Rakić’s corner mistakenly told him he was winning. This left him more passive than he should have been, potentially costing him the win. Ankalaev now eyes a shot at the light heavyweight title, and with his grappling skills, he’ll need to stay adaptable in an increasingly competitive division.

Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan: Spinning Knockout Brilliance

One of the night’s standout moments was Shara Magomedov’s spinning backfist KO over Armen Petrosyan, a knockout that will likely be replayed for years. Magomedov’s precision and creativity make him a unique threat in the octagon, and with his Tekken-like style, he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. Given his current form, a top-15 opponent should be next, and a bout with Michel Pereira would be thrilling.

Dan Ige vs. Lerone Murphy: Tough Battle, Unusual Outcome

Lerone Murphy claimed a decision victory over Dan Ige in a close fight where Ige seemed uncharacteristically fatigued. Known for his endurance, Ige struggled after the first round, raising questions about whether an injury or illness played a role. Despite some missed opportunities, Murphy’s composed and technical approach earned him the win and likely sets him up for a fight with a top contender next.

Robert Whittaker’s Path Forward

After a tough loss to Chimaev, Whittaker might be looking at a fight against someone like Paulo Costa or another middleweight in need of a comeback. Whittaker remains one of the division’s most skilled fighters, but he’ll need a new strategy to contend with Chimaev’s relentless wrestling.

Early Fights and Prelims Recap

The prelims had their own memorable moments, including Eel Oan’s quick KO victory and Kennedy Nzechukwu’s anticlimactic win after Chris Barnett suffered an injury. Barnett’s unfortunate leg injury prevented the fight from reaching its full potential, but Nzechukwu looked sharp and ready for higher competition.

What’s Next for UFC 308’s Stars?

For Ilia Topuria, it’s all but confirmed that he’ll face Volkanovski, aiming to take the featherweight throne. Khamzat Chimaev’s win sets him up for a title fight as well, and Ankalaev might be in line to face Alex Pereira if he continues his upward trend. And for emerging talents like Shara Magomedov, a matchup against more experienced fighters will give us a glimpse of their potential.

What were your favorite moments from UFC 308? Did any fighter stand out to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s get ready for the next big fight!