As we look back on an incredible year for the UFC in Abu Dhabi, it’s clear that 2024 has been one for the books. From fiercely competitive, highly charged fights to unforgettable moments of skilful magic, fans have been treated to some of the best MMA action in recent memory. 
 
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UFC 308: A Great Night for MMA 
 
The UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024, was one of the most eagerly awaited of the year, and it delivered in every department. Featuring top-tier matchups, including the mesmerising headline fight between the undefeated Ilia Topuria (15-0) and Max Holloway (26-7) for the UFC Featherweight Championship, it was a night to remember. 
 
Spectacular performances from Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, and Shara Magomedov turned an already memorable event into an unforgettable UFC mixed martial arts experience which had fans roaring their appreciation. 
 
Champion Ilia Topuria retained his title with an explosive knockout defeat of Max Holloway at 1:34 of the third round. Topuria landed a massive overhand right that really rocked Holloway and moved in quickly to deliver a flurry of strength-sapping blows. Holloway then took a crunching left hook to the chin and was unable to hold out under a furious onslaught. An incredible performance from the Spaniard, as he became the first man to knock Holloway out. 
 
Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev is fast becoming one of the most closely watched contenders throughout MMA, in the wake of his dominant co-main event victory over Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308. Current insider expectation is that the next fight for ‘Borz’ will be the UFC middleweight championship. There is of course a chance that current champion, Dricus du Plessis, will be asked to defend against Sean Strickland in his next outing, but the Russian is right up there in the middleweight mix. 
 
Shara Magomedov defeated Armen Petrosyan by knockout at 4:52 of the second round. Although Petrosyan came out strongly and temporarily surprised the Russian, who, unusually, found himself on the back foot in the early part of the fight. However, Magomedov soon demonstrated his resilience and skill, as the unbeaten middleweight prospect surged back with a lightning selection of counters in response to Petrosyan’s kicks. Ultimately, Magomedov scored a highlight-reel second-round knockout in the main card opener, continuing to impress fans and critics alike. 
 
UFC 309: Jones vs. Stipe 
 
One of the standout MMA events of the year was UFC 309, where Jon “Bones” Jones faced off against Stipe Miocic in a highly anticipated heavyweight title fight held at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16, 2024. Jones delivered a masterclass performance, securing a third-round knockout victory with a perfect spinning back kick to the body. This win not only solidified Jones’ status as one of the greatest fighters of all time but also marked a fitting end to Miocic’s legendary career. 
 
Looking Ahead: The Next Big UFC Cards 
 
As we turn our attention to the future, there are three big UFC cards that fans should mark their calendars for: 
 
UFC 315: Adesanya vs. Pereira II on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: A rematch for the ages, as Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira go head-to-head once again to settle the score. 
 
UFC 317: McGregor vs. Diaz III on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, USA: Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz will meet for the third time in a fight that promises to be explosive. 
 
UFC 320: Jones vs. Aspinall date in 2025 still to be advised, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, USA: Jon Jones takes on Tom Aspinall in a highly anticipated heavyweight clash that could determine the next top contender; a fight expected to be among the biggest matchups in UFC history.
 
Stay in touch with ES Sport for the next big UFC Abu Dhabi card 
 
Dana White’s Perspective 
 
UFC President Dana White had this to say about the year and what’s to come: “2024 has been an incredible year for the UFC. We’ve seen some amazing fights and unforgettable moments. The future looks even brighter with the upcoming cards, and I can’t wait to see what our fighters will deliver next.” 
 
Reflecting on the impact of UFC events in Abu Dhabi, White added: “UFC 242 put Abu Dhabi firmly on the map. Now, it is the global fight capital of the world. It was helped by Khabib’s victory, of course. He has many, many fans in the region for obvious reasons, and they just went wild. But it was so much more than that. Abu Dhabi just gets it.” 
 
If you missed an amazing UFC 308, make sure of your seats at the Etihad Arena octagon the next time round with ES Sport. 
 

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