Ilia Topuria retains UFC featherweight title by stopping Max Holloway in three rounds
Spain's Topuria drops Holloway with overhand right hand before finishing him with left hook
Topuria, 27, first man to stop Holloway with his 16th straight win
UNDERCARD: Briton Lerone Murphy survives knockdown to beat Dan Ige on points
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Well, what a night of UFC that was.
Lerone Murphy remained undefeated with a unanimous points win over Dan Ige. What's to come for the Manchester fighter in 2025? Big things hopefully!
Ilia Topuria then did something no one has ever done and knock Max Holloway out. Incredible stuff.
We'll see you again next time. Night!
Topuria beats Holloway by knockout
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Topuria beats Holloway by knockout
This fight felt significant. Is it the changing of the guard? I think it may be. Ilia Topuria is sensational and it's difficult to see who can take the featherweight title off him. It cements his status as the future of the division.
Max Holloway, on the other hand, will be hurting after this one. He's been stopped for the first time in what was his eighth defeat in the UFC. Does he have anything left in the tank?
UFC lightweight champion Makhachev Islam on X: "Congrats champ, it was amazing. Keep your head up Max, you are a legend."
Topuria beats Holloway by knockout
What can you say about Ilia Topuria? He's stunned the UFC world by becoming the first person to knockout Max Holloway. The supremely confident featherweight champion even did the Holloway special and pointed to the middle of cage to try to entice Holloway into a tear up.
Image source, Getty ImagesTopuria beats Holloway by knockout
Ilia Topuria speaking to TNT Sports: "The first thing I want to say is thanks to god - everything belongs to him, thanks to god.
"I don't know what to say, to beat a legend like Max Holloway I can't believe it you know, he inspired me so much in my career he's been a great example for the generation. I represent the new generation."
On the right-hand: "I caught him with many punches but that right hand - I felt it, saw it in his face, some step backs, you don't see that often. I felt that my brother told me from the corner keep pushing, putting the pressure on him, I did and finally I get the knockout."
On what's next: "I want them both next [Diego Lopes or Alexander Volkanovski]. Right now I don't want to fight with anyone."
"What a beautiful family I have highly, belssed man in this world. I want to go out of this cage and celebrate with my people."
Image source, Getty ImagesTopuria beats Holloway by knockout
Max Holloway speaking to TNT Sports: "I was ready for everything he landed, that shot hurt much more than I thought it did.
"I felt great, that’s this sport, hats off to him.
"No excuses, I felt great, great camp, no injuries, he was the better man tonight.
"I'll see you again my friend."
Image source, Getty ImagesTopuria beats Holloway by knockout
Sergio Ramos isn't too fussed about his former side Real Madrid being heavily beaten tonight. He's now in the cage with the featherweight title draped over his shoulder.
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesTopuria beats Holloway by knockout
Ilia Topuria moves to 16-0 while still only 27 years old. Is he on his way to becoming a UFC great?
Topuria beats Holloway by knockout
That is the first time Max Holloway has ever been knocked out in the UFC. His granite chin has been defeated.
I wonder if someone in Ilia Topuria's corner told him at the end of the second round that his beloved Real Madrid have been beaten 4-0 by Barcelona?!
Image source, Getty ImagesTopuria beats Holloway by knockout
Dana White wraps the featherweight title around the waist of Ilia Topuria as Bruce Buffer shouts "annnnnddddddd stilllllllllll".
Topuria beats Holloway by knockout
Paul Felder
Retired UFC fighter on TNT Sports
He just kept that pressure on, stayed smart.
Wow, this guy.
Topuria beats Holloway by knockout
There are no words for that, that was absolutely incredible by Topuria. He's just become the first man to knock Max Holloway out. Topuria landed a huge overhand right to rock Holloway and he rushed in to land more heavy blows.
Holloway then ate a massive left hook and even his granite chin couldn't withstand that.
Oh my word!
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I feel Holloway needs to jab and move, he is a better boxer than Topuria but if this turns into a fire fight that hook Topuria possesses could be all it takes!
Chad, Derbyshire
Topuria v Holloway
It's a fantastic atmosphere in Abu Dhabi and it really does have that big fight feel to it. You can sense that these two are really feeling each other out, looking for an opening. Topuria is finding success with the leg kicks while Holloway has thrown over 200 strikes already.
Something has got to give here.
Image source, Getty ImagesTopuria v Holloway
Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports
Max has got to keep that jab in his face. Pop and move.
Topuria has got to continue moving his head.
Topuria v Holloway
Holloway thinks he's the best boxer in the UFC and he's showing why here. He's landing some beauties on Topuria while the champion can only swing and miss at the moment. Just remember though, Topuria has fantastic power and can end a fight at any time as he lands a strong left hook.
Topuria v Holloway
Holloway is putting on a jabbing clinic right now and it feels as though he can't miss the face of Topuria. There's some swelling under the right eye of Topuria. Plenty to be encouraged by for both fighters.
Holloway hits the canvas at the end of the round, but replays show it was a slip.
Image source, Getty Images