In the end, Ilia Topuria did exactly what he said he would do.

The featherweight champion was back in action in Saturday’s UFC 308 main event in Abu Dhabi, defending his belt against one of the best fighters in the division’s history, Max Holloway. In advance, Topuria repeatedly told us he would become the first man to knock out Holloway – something Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje failed to do – and as dubious as that sounds, he l ‘did.

He did it in style, hitting his challenger with a sizzling left hook.

“I don’t know what to say,” Topuria said of his stunning knockout victory, which came midway through the third round. “Beating a legend like Max Holloway, I can’t believe it. I’ve followed his whole career.

“I represent the new generation and I hope I can be a small part of the representation he was for me.”

While Topuria ultimately won his fight against Holloway in emphatic fashion, the fight was close through the first two rounds. Many viewers seemed to score the first round for Holloway, who had great success with his jab and body kicks early on.

However, the tide began to turn in Topuria’s favor in the second, and in the third he was even more aggressive – with decisive results.

“Not at all man,” Holloway told commentator Daniel Cormier when asked if anything about Topuria’s performance surprised him. “He just took a shot, and I guess it hurt a lot more than I thought.

“I felt good until I didn’t. That’s sport. Hats off to him. No excuses. I had a great camp…He was the better man tonight.”

Being the first man to knock out a legend like Max Holloway is a monumental feat for Topuria, who is still only 27 years old – which also makes him the youngest active UFC champion.

Surprisingly, this isn’t the first such achievement on his CV either. Earlier this year, Topuria scored an equally stunning knockout victory over another living MMA legend, Alexander Volkanovski – this time in the first round.

That Topuria closes out 2024 with knockout victories over Volkanovski and Holloway in the rearview mirror is simply more impressive than can be described.

His victories over both legends will also ensure that he is a big betting favorite heading into his next fight – whichever one he ends up fighting.

The main contender right now appears to be No. 3 ranked Diego Lopes, who is coming off a lopsided decision victory over former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega. He was in Abu Dhabi as a backup should Holloway or Topuria fail to make it to the Octagon, implying he’s still in position for a title shot now that the fight is over.

However, Volkanovski also appears to be in a prime position for a rematch against Topuria. The former champion, still ranked No. 1 in the weight class, defended his belt five times before losing it to the current champion, and has since claimed a redemption attempt on that basis. Heading into UFC 308, it seemed unlikely he’d get the opportunity before Lopes, but he was invited into the Octagon during Topuria’s post-fight interview, implying that the UFC likes the idea.

One way or another, there is no doubt that the future is bright for Topuria.

The Georgian, who now lives in Spain, has been a star since knocking out Volkanovski earlier this year. Shortly after winning the belt with this performance, he received a hero’s welcome at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in front of 85,000 Real Madrid fans. Shortly after, he received the Order of Honor from the Georgian President inside Tbilisi’s Orbeliani Palace. He’s beloved in both of his home countries, and his star will no doubt shine brighter than ever after his stunning knockout victory over Holloway – so much so that he could even headline the tournament’s planned debut. UFC in Spain next year.

No matter who, where or when he fights next, he has single-handedly ushered in a new era in the featherweight division.