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00:00Abu Dhabi, the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates and the epicenter of combat sports in the Middle East.
00:14Every time we're here in Abu Dhabi, you know it's going to be special because the fight's delivered.
00:19UFC 308 continues the proud tradition of showcasing the world's finest fighters, drawing talent from every corner of the globe.
00:27They want the best people on the marquee and they get it every single time.
00:31They are the baddest fighters on the planet.
00:36Fresh off a historic title-winning performance.
00:41Iliyan Kaputia, the featherweight champion of the world!
00:45It is a changing of the guard, but it's also an ushering in of a new era.
00:50I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts.
00:53There's no doubt that the fighters of today are the greatest fighters of all time.
00:58The new UFC featherweight champion returns to solidify his reign.
01:04Against the former king of the division and current BMF champion, Max Hall.
01:10He's violent, he's aggressive. This guy will put on so much activity that most can't keep up with him.
01:16Uh-oh! Gege face first on the canvas! An absolute stunner at UFC 300!
01:25Grab your popcorn, grab your candy, because when the door is locked in the octagon on UFC 308, it's going to be a night to remember.
01:34And Holloway sending a message tonight.
01:38El Malador, I'm right here!
01:40The goal is to be the first one to knock him out, and this is what's gonna happen.
01:48This technique is so precise, there's no wasted movement.
01:57The world will realize who is really the best fighter in the world.
02:01In the co-main event, a high-stakes matchup between two of the middleweight division's top contenders.
02:10Former champion Robert Whittaker seeks to extend his remarkable resurgence, eyeing a return to the title he once held.
02:17I'm still pushing into that prime era.
02:27Robert Whittaker perfecting his craft.
02:30I win this fight, I'm fighting for the belt next.
02:32Standing in his path is the imposing force of Hamzat Shumayev.
02:37One of one, a force unlike anything the fight game has ever seen.
02:43The undefeated Chechen has dismantled all who oppose him in the Octagon.
02:47Oh, see, it's over.
02:49I'm most dangerous guy here, nobody can stop me.
02:52And will stop at nothing to get his shot at UFC gold.
02:55Fighting in Abu Dhabi feels like I'm fighting home, so I'm gonna finish this guy.
02:59That is it!
03:00I'm ready to get the belt.
03:02I'm the champ, I'm the king here!
03:05The world will be watching as the Octagon descends on the Etihad Arena on October 26th.
03:10This is what MMA is all about.
03:12This is the best of the best.
03:14In their primes.
03:16In preparation for yet another marquee event in the UAE.
03:19Aim for his eyes guys, aim for his eyes.
03:21We take an inside look into our headline attractions.
03:25These matchups are more competitive, they're more compelling.
03:29UFC Power!
03:32This is UFC 308.
03:34You know it's gonna be all action.
03:36Let's go.
03:37Countdown.
03:46In the 14 years since the inauguration of the UFC's 145 pound division,
03:51just five fighters can lay claim to the accolade of undisputed featherweight champion.
03:59The main event of UFC 308 will see the return of the new king of the division,
04:04El Matador Ilia Taporia.
04:08The Spaniard sees his rise to UFC gold not just as a victory,
04:12but as a fulfillment of fate.
04:15Fighting is in my blood without any doubt.
04:19I'm a fighter since I was born.
04:23Fighting came naturally to me.
04:25It was a destiny.
04:28At just 18 years of age, Taporia began his pro career
04:32and quickly made a name for himself on the regional circuit.
04:37Eight straight finishes saw the young prospect signed to the UFC in 2020.
04:43Ilia Taporia, a legit prospect out of Spain.
04:47The level of competition in the UFC is different than the other places.
04:51In the UFC you have the best fighters in the world.
04:54Well rounded, doesn't even begin to describe it.
04:57This is what I really wanted because I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts.
05:02Oh! The walk-off KO!
05:05He just chopped him down like a tree.
05:07I bring something that has never been seen in the UFC.
05:12Ilia Taporia has knocked Ryan Hall out cold!
05:16I'm a complete fighter, so it doesn't matter where the fight takes place.
05:20He can take this fight to the ground. He has got dynamite in his hand.
05:24I know that I'm gonna beat you up.
05:26Oh! Whoa!
05:28My words! Unbelievable knockout!
05:32This guy's an alpha male. He really believes that he can whip anybody.
05:36Taporia's striking is so clean and so powerful.
05:39Ilia's teeing off on him.
05:41Oh, big uppercut.
05:42Oh! And a right hand knocks Mitchell down!
05:45The physicality!
05:46Ragdolled him!
05:47Always my mindset was, anything I'm doing, I want to be the best.
05:52Oh, that's tight!
05:53Whoa! He tapped!
05:54Still undefeated!
05:55He is sure he will wear a UFC championship belt.
05:58He will look to prove that he should be next for a world title.
06:01Oh!
06:02Oh, heavy!
06:03Huge combination!
06:04This is an outclassing, a boxing masterclass.
06:07I never said I want to become a UFC world champion.
06:10Taporia is showing the next level.
06:12I said, I will become a UFC world champion.
06:15I want Alex to defend that belt and show to him where his world's gonna end and mine's gonna start.
06:26With his undefeated streak still intact,
06:30Taporia would earn a title shot against long reigning featherweight champion,
06:35Aleksandr Volkanovski.
06:37In the eyes of most MMA observers, Aleksandr Volkanovski is the greatest featherweight of all time.
06:43But when you are the hunted, there is always a next man up.
06:47Ilia Taporia appears to be the goods.
06:50Seemingly as skilled as he is confident.
06:52Tonight is the night we find out if he has what it takes to dethrone the decorated long reigning Australian champion.
07:00Great firewall.
07:01One of the greatest in the featherweight division.
07:04He's been a great champion.
07:06He finally gets an opportunity to fight one of the best in the world.
07:09Massive spot tonight for Ilia Taporia.
07:13God is with me.
07:14It's time to fulfill my dream.
07:16I'm going to fight in a spectacular way.
07:19Whenever you have a champion as dominant as Aleksandr Volkanovski,
07:25what you hope for is a challenger that's so imposing and so destructive
07:32that it makes you wonder whether or not he's gonna be able to withstand this storm.
07:36That is Ilia Taporia.
07:39I have never been more hyped for a fight. Never.
07:45UFC featherweight championship on the line.
07:48On the fight start, he was doing what we were expecting.
07:52Early right hands for Taporia.
07:54He was moving a lot in the octagon, side from side.
07:58Taporia is putting the cage up, backing him up.
08:01He knew what was coming.
08:03He felt my power.
08:05The game plan was the moment that he will stop
08:09and he will start to exchange the punches with me,
08:12I will get the jab done.
08:14Big right hand from Taporia.
08:18Competitive first five minutes.
08:21After the first round, when I went to the corner,
08:24my brother told me, work on the counter on his jab.
08:35He goes.
08:43Second round, buddy, you ready? You ready? Fight!
08:47The second round, he started to slow down a little bit.
08:52That's a good right hand left hook.
08:54Might be hurt, follows up again.
08:56Rips to the body.
08:57Taporia is such a good boxer.
09:02He threw me a jab.
09:03I did a four punch combination,
09:05like one, two, three, four.
09:07Boom.
09:09He got him!
09:10Oh my goodness!
09:12Game over, my friend.
09:14It's game over.
09:15That's it!
09:16That'll do it, and new!
09:18The belt is headed to Spain!
09:20Oh my goodness!
09:22Ilya Taporia, the featherweight champion of the world!
09:27The power of Taporia.
09:29A shocking result in Anaheim to many.
09:33Ilya Taporia, not surprised.
09:36And the 27-year-old Spaniard
09:39is on top of the mixed martial arts world.
09:42How about it?
09:44I've been working for that moment.
09:46It's a dream come true.
09:55They're gonna tell you you can't do it.
09:57But guess what?
09:58The only person you need is yourself.
10:01Just trust yourself.
10:03Work tirelessly.
10:04Have faith.
10:05And everything is possible.
10:07Ladies and gentlemen, the new champion!
10:10Spain, Georgia stand-up, Ilya Taporia.
10:13The new era begins.
10:28Taporia's return to Europe as a UFC champion
10:31was met with patriotic fanfare
10:33and an aura of excitement
10:35for this new era of the featherweight division.
10:42The reception when I returned to Spain,
10:45when I went back to Georgia,
10:47it feels always amazing
10:49when you get that kind of recognition from everyone.
10:53Big artists, big sportsmen, politicians.
10:58I keep having amazing moments
11:00all the time when I go out.
11:04It always feels amazing
11:05when you receive love and respect from the people.
11:11When Real Madrid called me to do the kickoff,
11:13I was very happy and excited at the same time.
11:17Ilya takes honorary kickoff tonight.
11:2090,000 people.
11:22It was like I have to bring the UFC here one day.
11:29The UFC has always been very big here
11:31and very recognized in Spain.
11:34It helps a lot the fact that I become a UFC world champion.
11:39The people have someone they can relate with.
11:43In my mind, I believe that one day this will happen.
11:49I always was a world champion.
11:53It was a matter of time that it will manifest in reality.
12:06On October 26th,
12:09Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena
12:12will play host to UFC 308.
12:16In the main event,
12:18the new era of the featherweight division begins
12:21as the newly crowned champion makes his return.
12:24He's the real deal. He's the real deal.
12:27The emotions I had when I become a UFC world champion
12:30was something amazing.
12:31Ilya Topodia turning all his words into action tonight.
12:36You look at yourself on the screen
12:38and you see yourself with the belt.
12:44It's something like,
12:47wow.
12:49I proved that I'm the best fighter in the world.
12:52Now it's time to defend it.
12:55For his first title defense,
12:58Topodia will once again fly the flags of Georgia and Spain.
13:03When he steps into the octagon
13:05to face the former king of the division,
13:08Max Blessed Holloway.
13:14The proud Hawaiian is revered by his people
13:16and draws motivation from influencing the next generation.
13:21A former UFC fighter,
13:22one of my main training partners for years now, Martin Day,
13:25has opened his own gym.
13:27One, two, three.
13:31He reached out to me and, you know,
13:33when one of your boys call, you answer.
13:35Do you guys know who this man is?
13:37UFC champion of the world and BMF champion.
13:39Let's give him a hand.
13:41What's up, guys? Thank you guys for having me today.
13:43I can show you guys what I like doing.
13:45Same hand, same leg kick.
13:47Make him move into your kick.
13:50There it is.
13:51In Hawaii, fighting has always been a favorite pastime.
13:54Hawaiians love to fight.
13:56Yes!
13:57BJ kind of put Hawaii on the map,
13:59but Max really put that stamp on it.
14:01Brought the fight game to Hawaii to another level.
14:04Aim for his eyes, guys. Aim for his eyes. Get him to slip.
14:07And now I get his reaction, right?
14:09Let's go.
14:10Now you're seeing a lot more Hawaiians getting to the big shows,
14:14getting into the UFC, headlining cards.
14:17I think that gives hope to the younger generation.
14:19Aim for this side of his eye, yes.
14:21When you try your left kick, yes.
14:23Get him to duck into your kick.
14:24Max is a superstar in Hawaii.
14:26We're so proud of him.
14:27You know, he represents Hawaii so well,
14:29from his fighting spirit to the way he conducts himself
14:31when he's not fighting.
14:32Now when I say left, you guys go left.
14:34When I say right, you guys go right.
14:36Left.
14:37Up!
14:38Right.
14:39Up!
14:40Sprawl!
14:42My grandpa always told me,
14:43you need to leave this world a better place than when you got into it.
14:47And I believe I'm doing my job.
14:49Let's give him a nice and loud give of hand, guys.
14:53If I can inspire the next generation, then that's amazing.
14:57Proudly representing Wai'anae in Hawaii.
15:00This man is an absolute killer.
15:02That is a sniper striker right there.
15:05Just a tough, scrappy Hawaiian who gets better every day.
15:09Holloway's status as a Hawaiian icon.
15:12And Holloway with the tap!
15:14This kid's got a bright future ahead of him.
15:16Was earned over the span of a record-breaking 12-year career.
15:20He's out!
15:21Max Holloway extends his winning streak!
15:25I believe all the wins, every fight I do, it builds a legacy.
15:28You talked about his combinations.
15:30That's something right out of a video game.
15:32Every time we see him inside the octagon,
15:34we see a new and improved version.
15:36He got it!
15:37He got it!
15:38I won't ever go down not swinging.
15:40The sky's the limit for this kid.
15:42Our grades don't run.
15:43Our grades don't hide.
15:45I ain't running from no one.
15:46I ain't hiding from no one.
15:47Look at the strength of my schedule.
15:48Point at the ground and decide to stand in front of each other
15:52and bang out the last 10 seconds like that.
15:54Wow!
15:55What a finish!
15:56There's a very high fight IQ.
15:59Pettis is in trouble.
16:00Holloway's pouring it on.
16:01And that's it.
16:02Wow!
16:04If you want to be the best, you got to beat the best.
16:07Max Holloway knocks down Jose Aldo.
16:09The best is blessed.
16:11Max Holloway is the undisputed UFC featherweight champion.
16:15I just would not let him breathe.
16:16And then just annihilated him.
16:19Despite dropping the title to featherweight great Alexander Volkanovski,
16:24Holloway remained a perennial contender
16:26with consistent performances against the division's upper rankings.
16:29Oh!
16:30Max Holloway looks as good as he's ever looked right now.
16:33I'm the best coach in UFC, baby!
16:35The money's phenomenal.
16:36In this sport, or in anything in life,
16:38Holloway with the counter, has Korean zombie wobbles.
16:41You got to leave moments that people are going to remember forever.
16:44Holloway won and done!
16:47While reclaiming the 145-pound title remained the prime focus,
16:51a rare opportunity arose at a milestone event.
16:56Las Vegas!
16:58It has been the fight week of all fight weeks.
17:01And tonight, we have arrived at the monster
17:04that is UFC 300.
17:09What a feeling in the air!
17:11The energy tonight has been insane!
17:13UFC 300 is so massive!
17:15It's crazy!
17:17As one of the most fierce lightweights in UFC history,
17:20Justin Gaethje was a befitting holder of the BMF belt.
17:24Holloway's unrelenting willingness to take on all challengers throughout his career
17:29perfectly placed him to compete for the coveted title.
17:33I saw Gaethje need a dance partner for the BMF belt.
17:37Shot my shot.
17:40Hey brother, let me know.
17:49If you want to be great, you got to take chances.
17:51He's looking for something big, something that excites him.
17:54And the chances we take is not chances out of luck.
17:57The chances I take is calculated chances.
17:59He has found that in Justin Gaethje.
18:01If you go up and beat a Justin Gaethje,
18:03you have all the bragging rights that go with being the BMF champion.
18:06And man, he looks good.
18:08Me and my team knew what way the fight was going to plan out.
18:11I just got to show the world.
18:13Tension in this arena is palpable.
18:15I felt good from the first round, man.
18:18Oh, good left hook by Max.
18:20He hurt him!
18:21I remember landing that spinning back kick at the end of the round.
18:26I saw him almost fall off the cage.
18:28I was like, oh wow, that must have hurt.
18:30That caught him on the nose.
18:32Do not blow it!
18:33The second round, I heard Coach Allen,
18:35don't blow out of the nose, Gaethje.
18:36I was like, wow, his nose is broken.
18:38It looks like that nose is destroyed.
18:40Holloway looks fresh, man.
18:43Wow, right hand by Holloway.
18:44I felt like I was in control the whole fight.
18:46Max is fighting very, very smart tonight.
18:48I felt like anything I could do was working, and it felt awesome.
18:52Holloway is showing no signs of slowing down.
18:54Max seems to be pitching a shutout right now.
18:56Oh, yeah.
18:58Control the movement!
19:00Your fight, Max, your fight.
19:02Good right hand.
19:03Huge right in round five for Holloway!
19:06Feel it! Feel it! Feel it!
19:08Holloway continues to fight.
19:10Another one.
19:11This is the toughest opponent he's ever fought,
19:13and he's fighting his best fight right now.
19:15The last 10 seconds came to the finish.
19:18Look at this. Holloway just told them,
19:20stay right here.
19:22Oh, big connection late!
19:26That'll do it!
19:27With one second to go!
19:30Oh, my God!
19:31Gaethje face first on the canvas!
19:33Wow!
19:34That's Holloway Rose, the 3FF title!
19:37Oh, my goodness!
19:38Way, baby! Let's go!
19:42A lot of people say, why would you do that
19:44against one of the most dangerous 155ers
19:46that can take your lights out and use up four rounds?
19:48An absolute stunner at UFC 300!
19:53Oh, my God!
19:55And I'm like, because Justin Gaethje is a stand-up guy.
19:58If the world was reverse,
19:59I think he would have gave me the shot.
20:01That's a warrior!
20:02That's crazy!
20:03That's a real warrior!
20:04That's a BMI!
20:05He gave me an opportunity to fight for the BMI belt.
20:07I figured I'd give him an opportunity
20:09after the way this fight is going to retain it.
20:12He's done blazing, and to do it against him,
20:15the Boogeyman of 155,
20:17it's just icing on the cake.
20:22The baddest...
20:24and the toughest sport in the world
20:26is Max Brest-Holloway.
20:28And he might have opened up possibilities
20:31for undisputed title fights in two divisions.
20:34How can you deny him whatever he wants?
20:37Ladies and gentlemen,
20:39I'm here with one of the baddest...
20:41to ever fight in this sport.
20:43I got to say, I'm here.
20:45I'm here, guys.
20:47Going into that UFC 300,
20:49I decided to prove to the people that I was undeniable.
20:51If I did my job,
20:52I knew a bunch of opportunities was going to open.
20:55After the BMI fight,
20:56I wanted to fight Ilya Taporia.
20:58I wanted to become a two-time featherweight champion,
21:00so I called out the Matador.
21:02There's a hell of a Matador.
21:04He is running away from a Boo at 145.
21:07Tell him to sign the gun contract.
21:09I'm right here.
21:10Ladies and gentlemen,
21:11one of the best of all time,
21:13Max Holloway.
21:15When I saw the knockout of Max Holloway in UFC 300,
21:19this is what I really wanted,
21:21and now I have a clear opponent.
21:25Live from the Etihad Arena in Fight Island, Abu Dhabi,
21:28it's your UFC 308, the main event.
21:31Undefeated featherweight champ,
21:33Ilya Taporia looks to make his first title defense
21:36against the legend and BMF, Max Holloway.
21:40It's going to be very exciting for the fans to watch.
21:44I don't see any fight bigger than this fight.
21:46I can't wait for that main event.
21:48That title fight is absolutely outstanding.
21:52A FEW HOURS EARLIER
21:57Newly crowned UFC featherweight king, Ilya Taporia,
22:00has embraced the changes that life as a champion presents.
22:04A recent move to Spain's capital, Madrid,
22:07was the next necessary step
22:09to find balance between his career and family.
22:13Hello.
22:16She's sleeping.
22:19We moved from Alicante to Madrid.
22:21A lot of things changed since Alicante.
22:24World champion, new baby at home.
22:33Here in Madrid, of course, it's a bigger city,
22:36more opportunities, so many benefits.
22:41It's great to go to a new chapter
22:44and just create something new, right?
22:46With our family, the kids, the new house,
22:48it's been very exciting.
22:55I have my son, Hugo. Now I have my daughter.
22:59My new baby, my daughter.
23:01Her name is Georgina, Georgina Taporia.
23:05The love you can feel for a small thing like this,
23:09it's amazing.
23:11Any problem you are going through disappears, you know,
23:14when you hold them.
23:16I just look at them and I want to smile, you know?
23:24And both of them are a huge motivation for me
23:27because you can give to your child anything you can imagine,
23:31but the most important thing is love
23:34and you have to be their example, you know?
23:39So dad has to keep pushing himself,
23:42keep working hard, and this is what he is doing
23:46because I want the best things for my babies and for myself.
23:58Taporia's new home in Madrid
24:00also includes a custom-made training facility
24:04where the champion has created the perfect environment
24:07to prepare for his upcoming main event title fight.
24:12Between two, we close.
24:13Include.
24:15This is going to be very progressive.
24:17We do, as we did the day before, we go up, we hold,
24:20and then down, and that's it.
24:22For me, the recovery sessions are very important
24:25because I'm able to prevent injuries
24:28and I don't have to cure them.
24:31I set up everything here.
24:33I have the recovery room.
24:37I have my boxing train, the grappling, the wrestling.
24:40I surround myself with great professionals
24:44that are part of my team.
24:47The hand-selected team readying the champion
24:49to face Max Holloway
24:51includes Ilya's brother and fellow UFC fighter, Alexandra.
24:55At this point, my brother is like my head coach.
25:01He was part of basically all my training camps.
25:06He's been every time in the backstage with me.
25:11So he knows everything about the game.
25:18Ilya is growing every day.
25:20This is the best part of him.
25:22He's not like he won the title and now everything is done.
25:26No, he's still learning.
25:29Max Holloway, he's something special.
25:32I believe in Ilya's skills,
25:34and I think we're going to get the job done.
25:37We are working in many areas,
25:39but in the ground, he doesn't do anything.
25:43In the wrestling, he doesn't do anything.
25:45He doesn't always strike.
25:46So the goal is to knock him out.
25:53He represents a lot of problems.
25:56But the way I'm working,
25:58there's no way that he's going to beat me.
26:00I'm the best fighter in the world.
26:02I'm much better than him everywhere.
26:05I want to be the first one to knock him out.
26:18While the champion thrives in his new surroundings,
26:23the challenger remains rooted to his island home,
26:29where his longtime team draws upon extensive past experiences.
26:34In preparation to claim the featherweight title
26:37for a second time.
26:41With Max, it's a partnership.
26:43It's not just coach and fighter and whatnot.
26:45It's like coaches and fighter together, growing.
26:49Every camp, we have a recipe.
26:51It's more of anything than just adjustments.
26:53I think we have a good playbook put in place,
26:55and it allows us to take Max and just make adjustments,
26:59tailor fit to the opponent.
27:04Max has an extremely high fight IQ.
27:09He learns as he goes in a rapid pace,
27:11and he absorbs everything.
27:13We're going to see if Ilya has that same type of IQ.
27:17Nice, beautiful.
27:1930 seconds.
27:20If you want to be the best,
27:22especially in mixed martial arts,
27:23a forever-growing sport,
27:25you need to find stuff and do stuff that people are not doing.
27:30Three, two, one, run in.
27:32Every fight, from fight to fight,
27:34I try to get better in IQ,
27:36in ways to take care of my body,
27:38in ways to train smarter.
27:41To get stronger.
27:43And every single fight,
27:45you don't see the same me in there.
27:48I go out there, I show something different.
27:50So I feel like we've been doing a pretty good job,
27:53me and my team,
27:54and you guys have been seeing the results.
27:56Max, he's accomplished so much already,
27:59but he's a guy that doesn't hang on to his accomplishments.
28:03He's definitely a goal-driven guy.
28:05You put something in front of him,
28:06some new challenge, it interests him.
28:08More than anything, getting this belt back
28:10provides Max with another accomplishment
28:13to solidify his legacy
28:15and to prepare him for the next stepping stone.
28:22Max Holloway rises to the level of competition he faces.
28:26He rises to challenges.
28:28One of the greatest featherweights we have ever seen.
28:31I just can't wait to get in the octagon
28:33when the doors lock.
28:34The money's phenomenal.
28:35I'm gonna show the world a masterpiece come October 26.
28:39Oh, that's it!
28:40I'm just gonna leave something for you guys
28:42to remember for a lifetime.
28:43Warriors stand up and fight.
28:46There's an El Malador!
28:48He is running away from Abu!
28:50At UFC 300, I didn't like the fight.
28:53I was like,
28:54this is like a bar fight.
28:55Iliad Zaporia has perfect technique.
28:59Here's no technique.
29:03There is no fat in any of this movement.
29:06So there's no way that I'm gonna lose that fight.
29:10You think his boxing is better than mine?
29:13We're gonna find out.
29:14Makes you wilt with the pressure.
29:16I'm the best boxer!
29:17He's been saying that he's the best boxer in the UFC.
29:21I have my doubts.
29:22I have my doubts.
29:23Some of the best boxing in all of mixed martial arts.
29:26Brutal power.
29:28Prove me wrong.
29:29He is a breaker of men.
29:31If you think that you're better than me, show me.
29:34So imposing and so destructive.
29:38We're both gonna be in the same octagon
29:40the same day on the same time.
29:42Prove me wrong if you can.
29:44Beautiful technique.
29:45Let's do it.
29:46Point to the ground if you can.
29:48Call for him to stand and trade.
29:50I will be there.
29:51Trust me.
29:52He's the real deal.
29:53October 26.
29:55The world will realize who is really the best fighter
29:58in the fairway division.
30:00Everybody wants to see Max Holloway vs. Ilya Tsapodyuk.
30:04That's the fight.
30:11Abu Dhabi will once again become the battleground
30:14for the world's elite fighters
30:16when the octagon returns for UFC 308.
30:21The co-main event features the rebooking
30:24of a pivotal matchup in the middleweight division
30:27with serious title implications.
30:31Looking for his first shot at UFC gold,
30:35undefeated contender Hamzat Shmayev
30:38looks to continue on his path of destruction
30:41against a resurgent former champion in Robert Whittaker.
30:44Here is a man many believe
30:47is Australia's best hope for UFC glory.
30:51Robert Whittaker.
30:53The Australian icon is reflected on his past achievements
30:56to discover a newfound mindset
30:59that has him on a path to reclaiming the title he once held.
31:02He's better every time you see him in the octagon.
31:06He's making his run towards greatness.
31:10A lot of my career I didn't think I'd get as far as I did.
31:15I had no expectations of myself.
31:17Robert Whittaker with the nation on his shoulders.
31:21The fans and all that outside noise is one thing
31:24but it's the inside noise that's hard to silence.
31:27This kid is on another level.
31:29The question is, does he have enough mental fortitude?
31:33And I learned to just root myself in facts.
31:36This is a guy that has fought against some of the more scary guys
31:40that we've ever seen in the octagon.
31:42The people that I've beaten, the fact that I was champ
31:45and I deserve to win that belt again.
31:48And Whittaker has said physically, mentally, emotionally
31:51he has just never been in a better place
31:53and now all he wants to do is get back to the title.
31:57It's a mindset that I've adopted and I've grown into.
32:00We're seeing the absolute best version of Whittaker
32:02including when he was the champion.
32:04This is not a dream that he's given up on.
32:06He's not content that he was the champion once.
32:08He wants to cement his legacy.
32:1012 years into his UFC career, still got it.
32:13Good right hand by Whittaker.
32:15Trying to work his way back to a championship setting.
32:18Beautiful one-two.
32:20Every time he goes in there, he lays it on the line.
32:23Another hard low kick.
32:24He lets his fighting do the talking for him.
32:29A dominant performance against Paolo Costa earlier this year
32:32put Whittaker back in the title picture
32:35and lined up a headline fight with a surging contender.
32:38June 22nd, we'll be going to Saudi Arabia.
32:41Our first fight in the kingdom and the main event
32:44will be former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker
32:47versus undefeated Hamzat Shamayev
32:50to see who will be the number one contender
32:52for the UFC middleweight championship.
32:57Forged in the rugged surroundings of the Caucasus mountains,
33:01Hamzat Shamayev's unique blend of skill and ferocity
33:04had him earmarked as a top prospect
33:06since his arrival in the UFC.
33:08An exciting fighter, an exciting debut.
33:11Oh!
33:12Come on!
33:13Everyone enjoyed my fight.
33:15He's nonstop with these punches.
33:16Because I'm trying to finish my opponents.
33:18Oh, there's Joe.
33:20There's the tap.
33:21Hamzat Shamayev by submission.
33:24I give what they want to see.
33:26They want to see the show.
33:27I give the show.
33:28Hamzat Shamayev is just a different type of fighter,
33:31but it's his aggressiveness,
33:33it's his self-belief that makes him very special.
33:35If I get the chance to finish somebody,
33:37I do it.
33:38The fans like it.
33:39I like it, too.
33:40Oh, it's in.
33:41It's over.
33:42One shot.
33:43Hamzat Shamayev!
33:45One and done!
33:46You've got to be kidding me.
33:47You've got to be kidding me!
33:49I'm the best wrestler in the UFC.
33:51I will stay a long time.
33:52I'm going to come for everybody.
33:54Hamzat Shamayev with an early shot.
33:55You believe me now?
33:56Oh, he's under the neck!
33:57That is it!
33:58I have to jump!
33:59I have to kick it!
34:00Ah!
34:01I'm one of the best fighters in the world.
34:04One of one.
34:06A force unlike anything the fight game has ever seen.
34:10Oh!
34:11Straight right hand drops, burns.
34:13Amazing control by Hamzat.
34:14That's it.
34:15There's the tap!
34:16Nobody can stop me.
34:17When you talk about the hundreds of contenders
34:20that are out there grinding every day,
34:23for one to stand out so emphatically,
34:27that is Hamzat Shamayev.
34:29Hold up!
34:30Now Shamayev's world.
34:32World title!
34:38The win over Kamaru Usman in his last outing
34:41extended his undefeated streak to 13
34:44and put him on the cusp of a title shot
34:46with a matchup against former middleweight champion
34:49Robert Whitaker.
34:50Work this way.
34:51This way, go.
34:52Side to side roll.
34:53That's it.
34:54Hunt him down.
34:55Hunt him down.
34:56Let's go.
34:57Hunt him down.
34:58We was in training camp.
35:00First month was really good.
35:02Look for the finish.
35:03Don't rush it.
35:04Don't rush it.
35:05And last three weeks, my immunity go down.
35:09I don't know what happens.
35:10Time!
35:11Unfortunately, Hamzat is violently,
35:14and I mean violently ill.
35:16So Hamzat Shamayev is out of the fight next weekend.
35:20All the guys will eat same food.
35:22Only me get sick.
35:23He's in hospital, and people are actually speculating
35:26as to whether or not he will ever fight again.
35:29Was hospital.
35:30Couple of days, come out, and try to train again.
35:33The same s*** happened again.
35:35According to Dana, Hamzat is not just ill.
35:38He's violently ill, and he'll need to go back home.
35:41Doctors said to me,
35:43you need to just be off from the gym
35:45and just not training, not doing nothing.
35:49I went home to the mountains.
35:53Hamzat Shamayev's Withdrawal
35:57Shamayev's withdrawal presented the opportunity
35:59for a rising prospect to take the headline spot.
36:03Hamzat's replacement is Ikram Alaskerov.
36:05He's still going to be the main event.
36:07His only loss is to Hamzat Shamayev.
36:10So this dude is a legit contender
36:12in only his third UFC fight.
36:15We were offered and accepted the fight within the same hour.
36:18They understand my mentality and what I want to do.
36:21Donning his patented pre-fight mean mug,
36:24enter the former undisputed UFC middleweight champion
36:26Robert Whitaker.
36:27Robert Whitaker is that guy that will fight anyone.
36:30If someone presents a challenge,
36:32he is willing to step up to that.
36:34He can defeat anyone on the planet.
36:36That is why he was happy to accept
36:38a short notice change of opponent
36:40because in his mind, it shouldn't matter.
36:44I thought he was a very dangerous fighter.
36:46He's the sort of guy you need to be switched on for.
36:48You need to take the fight to him.
36:50Otherwise, it's going to be a long night.
36:53But luckily, we didn't need to worry about that.
37:01That fight, it was very important for me
37:03to highlight the mentality.
37:05And I think that showed.
37:16I'm the boogeyman.
37:18I'm the best in the world.
37:19And I'm the most dangerous matchup
37:20for anyone in the division.
37:22Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the reaper,
37:25Robert Whitaker.
37:28Despite the statement performance in Saudi Arabia,
37:32the Australian remained fixated on settling
37:34the unfinished business with Shmaiev
37:38to solidify his next shot at the title.
37:40Time.
37:42I saw the Abu Dhabi Cowboys coming up.
37:44I saw the time on his ride.
37:46Whitaker versus Hamza Shmaiev.
37:48That one is going to be wild.
37:51This is the co-main event.
37:52This is five rounds.
37:54He asked to fight Shmaiev.
37:55I think that's a very bad thing to do.
37:57As you've all heard, the fight was announced.
38:00In Abu Dhabi, the whole card got announced.
38:02And man, it looks like a banging card.
38:04And I know that fight pushes me
38:06in the direction of the title.
38:08I beat Shmaiev, I'm fighting for the belt next.
38:11Now, no sickness.
38:14Now in good shape, training hard.
38:17I want to focus on the fight.
38:20Now it's my time to beat him.
38:28Never been so much excited to fight somebody.
38:35I want to get that belt back.
38:38I want to be called two-time.
38:40That's what I'm going to do.
38:46UFC 308
38:48heralds the return of former middleweight champion
38:51Robert Whitaker.
38:53As an Australian icon,
38:55Whitaker's influence extends far beyond his achievements
38:58inside the octagon.
39:00A role he embraces as he prepares
39:02for his upcoming bout against Hamza Shmaiev.
39:05It's very important for fighters
39:06to capitalize on their spotlight,
39:08their relevancy, their popularity
39:10whilst they're fighting.
39:12Today, we're doing some filming with Hamza.
39:15We're doing some filming with Howlerhead.
39:17Filming some media and different sort of advertisements.
39:20Have a good relationship with them, so it's good fun.
39:22Cheers.
39:24If it weren't for the UFC,
39:26I would never have had this opportunity and platform
39:29to make something of myself.
39:31Shmaiev's going to come hard.
39:33I don't think he's going to be able to take me down.
39:35Or if he does, he's definitely not going to be able to hold me down.
39:37And I'm in there for 25 minutes
39:39trying to take his head off.
39:40It's a tricky balancing act.
39:42Oh, look at you, mate.
39:44You got it.
39:45You want to utilize the platform that you give him.
39:48There you go, there you go.
39:49The popularity and the relevance and the spotlight.
39:52G'day, guys.
39:53Catch the UFC at Gregory Hills Hotel.
39:55But also, you don't want to get distracted
39:57and not give everything you have to the next fight.
40:02Because that is your ticket.
40:09For his next fight,
40:12Whitaker understands the challenge he faces
40:15and draws upon experience against similar styles
40:18to ensure a victory at UFC 308.
40:2210 squats, 10 sprawls, 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups.
40:27Do it twice.
40:29I understand Hamzat's a different beast
40:32than E.L. Romero.
40:34Look at this.
40:35Whitaker with the takedown defense.
40:37Sensational.
40:38Derek Bronson's.
40:39His movement is so crisp.
40:40Seizes.
40:41His grappling's outstanding.
40:43This is a world championship caliber fighter you're looking at.
40:47Okay, partner up.
40:48Hands spread out on the mat.
40:50But I had a lot of ground to cover for those guys.
40:53And I did it.
40:54That's no different for Hamzat.
40:57One minute hand fighting.
41:01Strong hand fighting.
41:02Let's go, let's go.
41:03Action, action, action, action.
41:05It's MMA.
41:06You need to keep a balanced approach.
41:08But I think it's no surprise I'm doing a lot of wrestling.
41:11Keep walking, keep walking.
41:14One minute live wrestling.
41:16Very good.
41:17I've had two camps now for him.
41:20Explode, explode, explode, guys.
41:23I've got heaps of work in the bank already.
41:26Transition to double.
41:28Pressure, pressure, pressure.
41:32The higher the odds, the better I perform.
41:35The more adversity against me, the stronger I become.
41:38Hurry up, hurry up.
41:39Stand up, stand up, stand up.
41:43I've had a lot of it.
41:44And I'm at a point where I am nigh unbeatable right now.
41:49Okay, back to the center.
41:52Nigh unstoppable.
41:53I'm still pushing to my prime era of my career.
41:58Ten seconds.
41:59And I'm looking forward to getting in there and testing this medal.
42:03Circle, circle. Faster, faster, faster.
42:21A return to the tranquil surroundings of the Caucasus Mountains
42:25has provided Hamzat Shmayev with the perfect environment to recalibrate his life and career
42:30following a turbulent period.
42:33Back home on the mountains, some fresh air gives you good energy.
42:38Tyson.
42:41Before I get famous, everyone was quiet.
42:45Nobody tells me what to do.
42:47When I start to be famous, when I start to make money,
42:51everyone was stopping me, you know, do this, do that.
42:54And everyone tried to be coaches and that was hard.
42:59Now I choose whatever I want to do.
43:02And whatever I want to train.
43:05That gives you good energy.
43:07Whatever I do, I'm going to do it 100%.
43:11We're in the gym.
43:13It's Ozone Village.
43:15This place is built for the Olympic wrestlers in the mountains.
43:19And it's so amazing.
43:21I'm happy because I chose my choice.
43:24Being here and training with my coaches now.
43:26Meeting new guys from my country.
43:29This is one of the best places to live.
43:38Salim, he's a wrestling coach.
43:41Everyone knows him in Russian, you know.
43:45He teaches so many world champions, two Olympic champions.
43:50He did train him to Beijing for the Olympic Games.
43:54Of course, that's why I bring him here.
43:56Not to dive, but to take a step.
43:58Hamzat invited me just now
44:01so that the whole training process would go in a scientific way.
44:05Because we have to know that if physics and mathematics have their own laws,
44:10then sports have their own laws.
44:12Hold it in your chest.
44:14Here we are on the way out.
44:16No one is bothering us.
44:18This is the first thing.
44:20The second thing is that there is a high mountain here.
44:22Let's rest.
44:24Walk on the floor.
44:26This is one of the best things.
44:28If we have billions of people with erythrocytes in our blood,
44:36then four times more is added here.
44:39Explode.
44:42In 90 days, he can easily go with these erythrocytes to the competition.
44:50We are a smart team around me, you know.
44:53Let's go.
44:55That's it.
44:57With Robert Whittaker, you have to just go forward and pressure.
45:01And I'm the best wrestler who can pressure the guys.
45:08Definitely, you're going to have a hard time there.
45:11Never had before.
45:20I'm 100% sure Hamzat will win.
45:22I don't even have that opinion.
45:26He's back. The former champ.
45:29Absolutely one of the very best.
45:31Maybe the most skilled middleweight we've ever seen.
45:33Robert Reaper Whittaker!
45:39Robert's been a champion and one of the best guys in the top.
45:43But I don't care about this guy in the world.
45:46It doesn't matter. You die.
45:48Switch to the right.
45:50Switch.
45:52I give him half a chance, he'll kill me.
45:54But I take confidence because of how well-rounded I am.
45:57Get ready.
45:59I'm exceptional at it all.
46:02Easy.
46:05I'm faster.
46:07I'm a better striker.
46:09And I have better instincts.
46:11I'm a hard guy to take down.
46:14I am confident my skills are better than his.
46:19Why should I be worried about him?
46:22I'm a complete MMA fighter.
46:27I'm the best wrestler in the UFC.
46:30This isn't a wrestling match.
46:32This is an MMA fight.
46:34Good left and a right hand by Whittaker.
46:37I'm gonna look to stuff his takedowns.
46:39And I'm gonna beat him up.
46:41His movement is so quick.
46:43And this guy keeps getting better.
46:45He's worried about my wrestling.
46:47And my right hand can knock out this guy.
46:49Oh! One and done!
46:52Kamsa Chimayev does it again!
46:55The fight with Chimayev is gonna take all my focus and all my willpower.
47:00And I'm gonna get in there and I'm gonna rip in.
47:02Ooh! An uppercut! And that'll do it!
47:06Robert Whittaker!
47:08The pivotal middleweight matchup sets the stage
47:10for two featherweight greats in the main event
47:12battling it out for the coveted UFC title.
47:14I am so fired up for this fight!
47:16I gotta say, I'm him!
47:18I'm him, guys!
47:20He is running away!
47:22Sign the contract!
47:24It all goes down on October 26th
47:27when the Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi
47:29for UFC 308.
47:31But now the road to featherweight gold
47:34goes through Ilya Toporia.