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The stage is set for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, where featherweights Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway will headline one of the year’s most anticipated fights. Both fighters hit their 145-pound marks smoothly at Friday’s weigh-in, but the event wasn’t without its share of drama. Khamzat Chimaev, the last to step on the scales, created a nail-biting moment as he barely reached the middleweight limit.
Chimaev, who faces Robert Whittaker, has seen only one fight since September 2022 due to health issues and canceled bouts. Fans and analysts wondered if he could make weight given his history. Following revised UFC protocol, fighters are encouraged to weigh in within the first hour and only use the second hour if necessary. Chimaev arrived late, stepping onto the scales apologetically and securing his spot at 186 pounds, just in time for his bout with Whittaker, who came in at 185.5.
In addition to the main event weigh-ins, the weigh-in session saw unexpected adjustments. Lightweight contenders Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai were moved to a 160-pound catchweight bout. Meanwhile, a featherweight adjustment in the fight between Farid Basharat and Victor Hugo puzzled spectators, as Hugo weighed in first at 145.5 pounds and Basharat at 137, though both typically fight at bantamweight. No explanations were given for these last-minute changes, adding an element of intrigue to the event.
Diego Lopes, the emergency backup for Topuria and Holloway, also made weight at 145 pounds. Fans can look forward to an action-packed card with no fewer than 26 fighters prepared to compete. Other bouts on the main card include a light heavyweight face-off between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic and a featherweight clash between Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige. Middleweights Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan round out the main card with their scheduled showdown.
With weigh-ins complete and fight night ahead, UFC 308 promises a thrilling evening as Topuria, Holloway, Chimaev, and Whittaker prepare to go to war.
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