UFC’s hotly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi is less than a week away. And the promotion has revealed UFC 308’s complete itinerary — from pre-fight press conferences, weigh-ins, and exclusive fan meet-ups.
Going by the fight cards, it is evident that the UFC looks set to continue its tradition of featuring thrilling fights in the Middle East at the Etihad Arena in Yas Islands on October 26. And, as it is always the case, the intrigue around the fight and the build-up, including the pre-fight press conference, ceremonial weigh-ins and the likes will add to the spectacle.
UFC Full Schedule: Weigh-ins and pre-fight presser
The show will begin with open workouts featuring Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, Robert Whittaker, Khamzat Chimaev, and Shara Magomed on October 23 at 6 PM.
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Next comes the much-anticipated presser on Thursday, October 24. The full main card will attend the media interaction at 4:30 PM (local time, GST) or 1:30 PM BST. The following day, Friday (October 25), ceremonial weigh-ins will take place, starting at 6 PM (GST) or 3PM BST. A hour prior, at 5PM (2PM BST), a brief athlete Q&A session is scheduled.
Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, and Alexander Volkanosvki are slated to answer some fan queries before the fight card commences at 6PM GST (3PM BST) on October 26.
The treats is not just confined to the happenings in and around the Octagon. The UFC has arranged a fan experience at Yas Mall from October 21-27 and Yas Bay from October 23- 27.
Now that we have a hang of the schedule, here’s a brief overview of the main fight card:
UFC 308 main card
An exciting card has been set for the UFC’s Abu Dhabi return. The main event is the bout between Ilia Topuria (C) and the ‘BMF’ Max Holloway for the featherweight crown. There’s also an exciting middleweight war between former champion, Robert Whittaker, and the undefeated Chechen boogeyman, Khamzat Chimaev.
In addition to these exhilarating matchups, the matchmakers has ensured more fireworks. There is another middleweight banger featuring Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov and Armen Patrosyan.
Not to forget Magomed Ankalaev’s UFC return against Aleksandar Rakic in the light heavyweight category.
Lightweight veteran Rafael dos Anjos also makes an appearance in a bout against Geoff Neal in the preliminary card. The featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige in the main card will add to the thriller of an evening.
As for the rest of the prelim cards:
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki (lightweight)
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos (bantamweight)
Abus Magomedov vs. Brunno Ferreira (middleweight)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Justin Tafa (heavyweight)
Farid Basharat vs. Victor Hugo (bantamweight)
Bruno Silva vs. Ismail Naurdiev (middleweight)
With such a star-studded lineup, one might be wondering where to catch this live. Here we go…
How to watch UFC 308?
While the prelims are set to commence at 6:30PM GST (3:30PM BST), the PPV main card portion is set to start at 10PM GST (7pm BST). The Octagon walk for the main event — Topuria vs Holloway — expected to take place around two hours into the main card section (around 9:30PM BST).
For fight fans from the UK, the UFC 308 prelims will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass, TNT Sports 1, and Discovery+. Whereas, the main card will be available live stream on TNT Sports Box Office at a price of £19.99.
The US fans will need an ESPN+ subscription. Fans also have an alternate option. They can bundle ESPN+ with Hulu + Live TV, which provides access to 95 channels (CBS, TBS, ESPN, etc.) along with Disney+. This bundle costs $76.99 per month with ads or $89.99 without ads.
However, despite having an ESPN + subscription, fans still need to pay $79.99 for major PPV events like UFC 308.
