Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a main venue in the UFC calender as this event marked their 20th visit already.
Due to the earlier worldwide start times than what normal audiences are used to, there were no early prelims.
There were eight fights on the preliminary card and five on the main card. From the thirteen fights, seven went the distance, with six being stopped early, with some real statements made.
TOP PERFORMER: ILIA TOPURIA
In his first defence of this featherweight title, Topuria made another statement, and it looks like he could be a champion for a very long time.
Topuria used his unique background, having been born in Germany to Georgian parents but brought up in Spain. He mixed his attacks very well with kicks and punches. When he eventually found his range in the third round, the power was undeniable.
It was a huge marker after already stopping Volkanovlki, now stopping the legendary Max Holloway, who was doing reasonably well in the first two rounds. But once Topuria caught Holloway early in the third, he smelt blood. He put on the pressure and dropped Max with a devastating left hook, then finished it with hammer fists on the ground.
TOP PERFORMER 2: KHAMZAT CHIMAEV
Having been out for 12 months due to various injury issues, after starting his career rapidly with three fights in two months, we weren’t sure what exactly we were getting from Chimaev.
However, his mystical aura is intact after this devastating and scary submission victory over the historically strong and durable former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
It took Chimaev less than three minutes with his formidable and relentless wrestling to take Whittaker down, then finish the fight with almost superhuman-like power on the face crank that made Whittaker tap instantly. If you saw the pictures of his broken jaw, then you can see why.
TOP PERFORMER 3: SHARABUTDIN MEGOMEDOV
If statements were made at UFC308 then this win goes down in that category. Dagestanian fighter Megomedov remains undefeated and takes away a third bonus award in a row with this unique and devastating second-round finish.
A controversial figure for some outside of the Octogan incidents, he showed control and patience in the first round with some unique striking that felt like he was setting up for something special.
Well, it came in the second round as he delivered a picture-perfect spinning back fist, having his first attempt with his left blocked, he instantly swung around with his right that connected flush on Armen Petrosyan’s chin, ending the fight in an instant.
Honourable mentions
Mateusz Rebecki secured a grueling split decision victory in a back and forth fight that had the crowd on their feet. He deserves praise for agreeing to a catchweight bout after his opponent missed weight. I believe he did enough to win, particularly with the damage from this powerful left hands.
Myktybek Orolbai also deserves recognition; it takes two to tango. Although he initially turned some off by missing weight, he redeemed himself by showing heart and resilience in this brutal battle, fighting through a severe eye swelling injury from the first round to keep the crowd entertained.
Lerone Murphy delivered a spirited performance against the tough and experienced Dan Ige, to remain undefeated with an impressive 15-0 record. The fighter from Manchester, England had to dig deep, showcasing his cardio, wrestling, striking, toughness, and heart to earn a victory that made many sit up and take notice.
