It appears that a UFC 308 bout could be hanging in the balance, as the event reportedly encounters a late-notice disruption. UFC 308 is set to take place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main event showcases reigning UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defending his title against Max Holloway. Meanwhile, the co-main event will feature a middleweight clash between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev in a high-stakes, five-round showdown.
The scheduled bantamweight clash between Said Nurmagomedov and Daniel Santos, intended to take place on the preliminary card of Saturday's event, has reportedly been scrapped. According to MMA journalist Damon Martin, the Brazilian withdrew for undisclosed reasons. UFC matchmakers are now searching for a replacement opponent for Nurmagomedov with only five days to spare.
Nurmagomedov has not competed for over a year, with his last appearance in the Octagon resulting in a first-round submission victory against Muin Gafurov at UFC 294 in October 2023. The 32-year-old Russian boasts a 7-2 record in the UFC. He was originally scheduled to face Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia in June, but he ultimately withdrew from the matchup.
The UFC 308 card nearly faced another setback when the welterweight matchup between Rinat Fakhretdinov and Nursulton Ruziboev fell through. Thankfully, UFC debutant Carlos Leal rose to the occasion on a week's notice, stepping in to fight Fakhretdinov.
