Ilia Topuria the first to knock out Max Holloway

At First Round Management, we take immense pride in congratulating our client, Ilia Topuria, on his first successful title defense as UFC Featherweight Champion at UFC 308. Ilia faced none other than Max Holloway, a former champion and one of the most revered fighters in UFC history, in Abu Dhabi. True to his word, Ilia stepped into the octagon with full confidence and determination, even boldly predicting that he would be the first to knock out Holloway.

The fight began with both athletes showcasing exceptional skill and tactical prowess. The opening rounds were nothing short of thrilling, with Holloway’s notorious resilience and striking accuracy matched by Ilia’s precision and relentless energy. The crowd watched in awe as each fighter landed and defended strikes, pushing each other to the limit. However, by the third round, Ilia shifted gears and took control of the fight, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to adapt and dominate.

Then came the defining moment: Ilia delivered a picture-perfect left hook that floored Holloway, making him the first to stop the Hawaiian legend by knockout. The knockout wasn’t just a testament to Ilia’s striking power and precision, it underscored his exceptional timing and tactical execution qualities that have quickly made him a feared presence in the featherweight division. Ilia’s performance left no doubt that he deserves to stand atop the featherweight mountain.

In his post-fight interview, Ilia displayed the sportsmanship and humility. He paid tribute to Holloway, expressing deep admiration for the former champion’s achievements and toughness. In a remarkable moment, Alex Volkanovski, the previous titleholder, stepped into the octagon to congratulate Ilia on his victory. Volkanovski, a dominant champion himself, hinted at his desire for a rematch.

Ilia, recognizing Volkanovski’s incredible reign as champion, expressed willingness to give him that opportunity. It was a display of respect and confidence, and a testament to Ilia’s commitment to fighting the very best in the division.

Ilia Topuria’s victory at UFC 308 was not only a pivotal moment for him but also a proud achievement for our team. As his management, we couldn’t be more thrilled to support Ilia’s journey, which has been marked by hard work, discipline, and an unwavering desire to reach the pinnacle of the sport. This title defense solidifies Ilia as a champion not only in skill but in character, embodying the dedication, courage, and humility of a true martial artist.

Congratulations, Ilia, on a remarkable win and a legendary performance. We are honored to be part of your journey and are excited to see what comes next for the reigning and undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion.