Ilia Topuria flattens Max Holloway with vicious one-punch knockout at UFC 308

Ilia Topuria sent Max Holloway down and out in the third round to retain his UFC featherweight title.

Before Saturday night, Holloway had only been dropped once and never knocked out.

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But that all changed when Topuria landed a huge left hook to shut out his lights and make a huge statement.

Holloway boxed well for the first two rounds, landing plenty of eye-catching shots.

However, Topuria turned the tide with a big straight right that stunned Holloway and forced him to back up against the cage.

Sensing his moment, Topuria closed the distance and connected with a left hook that flattened the durable Hawaiian.

“First thing I want to say is thanks to God, everything is thanks to him,” said Topuria post-fight.

“He gives me everything I have in life so thanks to God.

“I don’t know what to say, man, beating a legend like Max Holloway. I can’t believe it.

“I followed his entire career and he inspired my career.

“I represent the new generation and I hope I will be a small part of the example he has set for me.

“I caught him with many punches but with that right hand, I felt it.

“He started making steps back and you don’t often see that from Max.

“My brother told me to keep pushing, I did and I got the knockout.”

Topuria knocked out long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski in his last outing to pick up the strap.

Now, he is hoping to run it back with the Aussie, who called for a second fight from cageside.

“We are going to do it again, you deserve that,” said Topuria as he embraced Volkanovski.

“If someone deserves it, it is him. You are the man brother.”

When the mic was handed to Holloway he was, as always, gracious in defeat.

“I was ready for everything, he just landed a shot and I guess it hurt a lot more than I thought it did,” said Holloway.

“I felt great, that’s the sport man. Hats off to him. No excuses, I felt great.

“I had a great camp, no injuries. I went out here and did my thing.

“He was just the better man tonight. I’ll see you again my friend.”