UFC 308 Predictions, Picks & Odds: Topuria vs Holloway (Saturday, Oct 26)

• UFC 308 gets underway from Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 26
• Featherweights Ilia Topuria goes to war with Max Holloway in the main event
• Look for all the UFC 308 odds, and our best bets, below

UFC 308 is sure to provide fireworks for MMA fans across the globe. Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defends his title for the first time against fan favorite Max Holloway on Saturday, October 26 from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Elsewhere on the card, middleweights Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev square off in a much-anticipated fight in the co-main event. Catch all the UFC 308 action over on ESPN+, with prelims beginning at 10 am ET, and the pay-per-view main card beginning at 2 pm ET.

Here’s a look at the UFC 308 odds, along with our betting picks and predictions.

How to Watch UFC 308

• What: UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway
• When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
• Where: Etihad Arena, Fight Island, Abu Dhabi
• TV: ESPN +, PPV
• Start Times: 10 am ET (Prelims) | 2 pm ET (Main Card)

UFC 308 Odds

The UFC 308 odds see Ilia Topuria as the heaviest favorite at -278 odds, while veteran Max Holloway comes back as a +225 underdog.

Odds as of October 25, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Find a Draftkings Sportsbook promo code for all your MMA betting action.

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Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway Pick

Georgian featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria (15-0) defends his title for the first time against former champ Max Holloway (26-7) at UFC 308. Each of these fighters enter off of highlight-reel knockout victories. “El Matador” destroyed Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 with his patented right hook.

Holloway, meanwhile, famously called Justin Gaethje to the center of the cage and knocked him out cold with a wild overhand right just before the bell at UFC 300. UFC 308’s main event has fight of the night written all over it.

Topuria’s main approach is straightforward. He looks to press his opponents’ back against the cage, set him up with hooks to the body, and unleash his devastating overhand. Topuria averages 4.4 significant strikes landed per minute with a 92% takedown defense.

Ilia Topuria walks you through how he KO’d Alexander Volkanovski. He sometimes keeps it vague in explanation, but there are enough details here worth hearing. pic.twitter.com/ruYsWREKVo

— Luke Thomas🏋️‍♀️ (@lthomasnews) October 21, 2024

Holloway’s strategy generally differs depending on the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent and the questions his foes’ movement bring about as the fight progresses. With a 22-7 record in the UFC, there’s not much Holloway hasn’t seen in the octagon.

The 32-year-old has been plying his trade in the UFC since he was 20, and it shows. He’s averaged 7.17 significant strikes landed per minute, with 48% striking accuracy and a strong takedown defense rate of 84%.

Crucially, Holloway has never been stopped in his career. Even against the power of Topuria that’s unlikely to change on Saturday. Expect to see this main event go all five rounds.

• Topuria vs Holloway Pick: Over 4.5 rounds (+105)

Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev Pick

This fight provides a contrast in styles.

Khamzat Chimaev (12-0, 7-0 UFC) aims to drive his opponent to the fence and attack with takedowns. From there, he’ll look to use the fence to gain control or climb up with a body lock. Chimaev lands 5.72 significant strikes per minute. He sports an impressive 100% takedown defense, while 3.99 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Is Khamzat Chimaev easily taking down prime Usman with one arm the most impressive feat in mma? pic.twitter.com/pq4Dmqlb9Z

— MAZDHAR (@MAZDHARMMA) October 24, 2024

On the other side of the cage, Robert Whittaker (26-7, 17-5 UFC) will likely look to use his staggered jab to change levels and keep Chimaev off balance as he looks to shoot. Whittaker needs to be wholly aware of where in the cage this fight takes place, and keep the action in the center of the octagon. If Chimaev can force him into the fence, the action could be over quickly.

Ultimately, Chimaev is the much larger fighter, with both a reach and height advantage. He’s smack dab in his prime and will take Whittaker to the wood shed at UFC 308. Bet on Chimaev to end this bout quickly.

• Whittaker vs Chimaev Pick: Khamzat Chimaev to win in round one (+500)

UFC 308 Parlay

Check out our UFC 308 parlay:

• Ilia Topuria To Win By Decision +250
• Khamzat Chimaev ML -238
• +397 Parlay