Max Holloway to challenge Ilia Topuria at UFC 308

Field Level Media|published: 08/03/2024, 3:12pm EDT

Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Max Holloway celebrates after knocking out Justin Gaethje during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ilia Topuria will put his world featherweight title on the line against the ascending Max Holloway at UFC 308 on Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi, UFC CEO Dana White announced on Saturday.

Topuria earned the 145-pound title when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 on Feb. 18 in Anaheim, Calif.

Topuria 15-0 in MMA all-time. The 27-year-old Spaniard has won all seven of his UFC fights, including his debut at UFC 264 in July 2021 in Abu Dhabi.

"He is the best combat sport athlete to come out of Spain," White said of Topuria. "His career is coming full circle because he made his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi."

Holloway, a 32-year-old American, delivered an iconic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje to win the 155-pound BMF belt at UFC 300 on April 13 in Paradise, Nev.

It was the third straight UFC win for Holloway (26-7), the former featherweight champion from 2017-19.

Aside from Topuria and Holloway's bout, the pay-per-view showcase includes three additional fights.

The co-main event will feature former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-7) against Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) in a five-round showcase.

No. 2-ranked heavyweight Ciryl Gane (12-2) battles third-ranked Alexander Volkov (38-10), while Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1) will face fellow Top 5-ranked light heavyweight Aleksandar Rakic (14-4).

--Field Level Media