UFC 308: 5 Biggest Takeaways from Ilia Topuria's History-Making Night in Abu Dhabi
1. Topuria Makes History as First Georgian to Win UFC Fight
Ilia Topuria etched his name in UFC history on Saturday night, becoming the first Georgian-born fighter to win a fight in the promotion. The 25-year-old featherweight put on a dominant performance against Jai Herbert, submitting him with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
2. Topuria's Win Sends Message to Featherweight Division
Topuria's victory served as a statement to the rest of the featherweight division. The Georgian fighter looked impressive in his UFC debut, showcasing his well-rounded skills and finishing ability. Topuria is now a name to watch in the 145-pound weight class.
3. Herbert Shows Heart in Defeat
While Topuria was the clear winner on the night, Herbert deserves credit for his performance. The Englishman showed a lot of heart and determination, despite being outmatched by his opponent. Herbert never gave up and continued to fight until the very end.
4. Main Event Delivers in Terms of Excitement
The main event of UFC 308 was a back-and-forth affair that delivered in terms of excitement. Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen put on a striking clinic, with both fighters landing heavy shots throughout the fight. In the end, it was Allen who emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision.
5. UFC Continues to Grow in Popularity
UFC 308 was another successful event for the promotion, further cementing its status as the world's leading mixed martial arts organization. The event drew a large crowd in Abu Dhabi and generated a lot of buzz on social media. UFC is continuing to grow in popularity around the world, and shows no signs of slowing down.