In one of the most eagerly awaited UFC fights of the year, Ilia Topuria will defend his featherweight title against Max Holloway tonight.
‘El Matador’ has been a revelation since joining the UFC four years ago. With an unbeaten professional record of 15-0, the 27 year old secured his first UFC world title fight after a commanding performance against Josh Emmett last year. Remarkably, he went on to unseat Alexander Volkanovski in February, knocking out the featherweight legend in the second round. In this first defence of his title, he faces a stern challenge in ‘Blessed’.
Holloway achieved the most notable win of his MMA career at UFC 300 when he knocked out Justin Gaethje. It’s safe to say that the card is packed from start to finish. The co-main event features former champion Robert Whittaker squaring off against undefeated sensation Khamzat Chimaev in a tantalising middleweight clash.
Also on the main card, Magomed Ankalaev will face Aleksandar Rakic – with the victor potentially set to challenge for Alex Pereira’s light-heavyweight title next. Here’s all you need to know about tonight’s bouts….
What time will Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway kick off in the UK?
Tonight’s highly anticipated pay-per-view event is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The prelims are expected to kick off around 3pm UK time (7am PT, 9am CT, 10am ET).
Following this, the main card will commence at 7pm UK time (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET). The main event ring walks are likely to occur around 10pm UK time.
Shortly after, the two stars will touch gloves and the first bell will sound. The fight could potentially start earlier if the prelim fights finish ahead of schedule.
How to watch Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway in the UK on TV and via stream?
The action-packed night will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK for a fee of £19.99. Fans can also stream the event on the broadcaster’s app, while Discovery+ will also air the action in the UK.
For viewers in the US, ESPN+ will provide live streaming of the event.
Full fight card and undercard
Main card.
Ilia Topuria vs Max HollowayRobert Whittaker vs Khamzat ChimaevLerone Murphy vs Dan IgeMagomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar RakicShara Magomedov vs Armen Petrosyan.
Prelims.
Ibo Aslan vs Raffael CerqueiraRafael dos Anjos vs Geoff NealMyktybek Orolbai vs Mateusz RebeckiBrunno Ferreira vs Abus MagomedovChris Barnett vs Kennedy NzechukwuFarid Basharat vs Victor HugoIsmail Naurdiev vs Bruno SilvaRinat Fakhretdinov vs Carlos Leal.
Quotes corner
Ilia Topuria stated: “He’s already backing out. If he brawls with me, he’s already knocked out. He’s already knocked out. If I were another type of fighter like Yair Rodriguez or Brian Ortega, he’d say, ‘Of course, I’ll throw down for a few seconds. It’s no big deal.’ He says he’s running a big risk, but what risk is he running? The only thing that makes him relevant is the BMF, which he’s not event putting on the line.
“I’m the one that’s risking everything. I’m the one that’s putting this belt on the line. I’m the one risking it all. And even then, he doesn’t want to do it. Why? Ask him. Go slide a note under his door.”
Max Holloway responded: “I’m more confused about everything he’s saying. He’s talking about me not wanting to fight, me being forced to fight. He got me out here feeling like how he looked after my Gaethje fight, so it’s crazy.
“His mind is very interesting. But if that’s what it takes to be the best version of himself come Saturday night then so be it. He can talk all that talk he wants because at the end of the day, he still has to see me in three days.”