The extremely anticipated showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway is now reportedly set to headline UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, following Islam Makhachev’s current revelation that he’s coping with an harm.
The reigning UFC light-weight champion not too long ago disclosed in an interview with a Russian media outlet that his persistent hand harm, incurred throughout his fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June, remains to be inflicting him issues. This ongoing problem has raised issues about his means to defend his title in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev talked about that the UFC has not but formally mentioned the struggle date together with his staff, however he had anticipated returning to the Octagon this yr. Nonetheless, MRI outcomes have solid critical doubts on his means to compete as deliberate.
With Makhachev doubtlessly leaving a niche on the prime of the Center Japanese card, the UFC is now trying on the featherweight title conflict between Topuria and Holloway as a attainable substitute to headline UFC 308. At the very least, that is the most recent replace from MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
Helwani not too long ago responded to a fan on X, confirming that the UFC is in talks to have Topuria and Holloway headline the pay-per-view occasion on October 26.
“Sure. That is very actual due to the harm Islam revealed in a current interview. Plans are actually altering.” Helwani tweeted.
Beforehand, it was speculated that “El Matador” would make his first title protection in opposition to the BMF titleholder at UFC 307, scheduled to happen on the Delta Heart in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, on October 5.