UFC 308 is within the historical past books. A uncommon matinee of MMA from the game’s prime promotion noticed a improbable night time of motion from Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, capped off by a third-round knockout (left hook adopted by floor and pound photographs) by Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) to retain his UFC Featherweight Championship in the primary occasion of the night.
Simply as the primary card and the night correct ended with a knockout, the undercard led to violent vogue. Throughout the featured prelim earlier Saturday, gentle heavyweights took to the famed UFC Octagon.
Of us, the combat was a enjoyable one for so long as it lasted. If, for some purpose, you needed to exit for a run on the grocery retailer on Saturday afternoon (USA time) and needed to miss it. or if you happen to had been watching a university soccer recreation on TV, watch it on playback. You’ll see a star within the making within the 205-lb. division.
Ibo Aslan Makes Fast Work of Raffael Cerquera in Featured Undercard Bout
To focus on the undercard of UFC 308, 2023 Contender Sequence graduate Ibo Aslan (14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) made his second promotional look since securing a UFC contract in August of final yr towards Raffael Cerquera (11-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC). Whereas Aslan is simply two fights into his tenure with the group, he’s already making the spotlight reel.
Proper from the command to combat, the UFC 308 featured prelim was a basic case of one-way site visitors. Heading into the weekend, Raffael Cerquera had completed 10 out of his 11 victories inside the space, however Ibo Aslan gave Cerquera a style of his personal medication.
Aslan linked on a jab 33 seconds into the opening spherical and simply poured it on with a relentless barrage of punches from there, forcing referee Marc Godard to name off the bout. Time of the end: A blistering 51 seconds.
“That’ll do it! Turkey, get behind your man, Ibo Aslan!”, exclaimed Jon Anik, who served because the blow-by-blow commentator for UFC 308.
Aslan Wins Over Crowd
After the combat, the victorious Aslan took to the microphone. The assembled crowd inside Kingdom Enviornment was simply as impressed along with his phrases because it was along with his fists.
“Abu Dhabi, do you want Turkish energy?”, Aslan requested to start his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, to the roar of the group. “After this left hook, I watched him within the eye. He was like this. That is the start of the tip. I simply crush. I’ve Turkish energy in my palms. If I contact any individual, he’s already died.”
On the finish of the interview with Cormier, Aslan refused to name out a selected opponent for his subsequent combat.
“I’m coming for all of you!,” he stated. “For all of you males! For all of you!”
Aslan Making a Assertion
Keep in mind that UFC 308 was solely his sophomore look within the promotion. If his efficiency on Saturday was any indication, nonetheless, this younger man is actually somebody you’ll wish to maintain your eye on going ahead.
Since his Contender Sequence look 14 quick months in the past, he’s confirmed himself worthy to be on the planet’s No. 1 MMA promotion. An ideal stoppage price appears to be like good on any up-and-coming fighter’s resume.
He continued his victory lap when he met with the press backstage after the featured prelim of UFC 308.
“Dana White, I like you,” he started. “UFC is aware of already that I’m the longer term rising star. That’s why that is just the start.”
Aslan Taking Metered Method to His Profession
Later within the presser, Ibo Aslan talked about that he didn’t need a high-stakes contest to occur too quickly within the Octagon.
“Step-by-step to the highest,” he stated of his profession trajectory. “I don’t wish to rush. Each opponent, every little thing has time, step, step, step and be champion.”
That is the most effective transfer for him. On condition that he’s already received 14 profession knockouts to his credit score, Aslan has taken a number of steps as it’s, together with two championship victories in Austria earlier on in his profession.
Remaining Ideas
In closing, Ibo Aslan will likely be a drive to be reckoned with at 205 lbs. over the subsequent a number of years. As of this writing, it’s October of 2024. By the point October of 2029 rolls round, Ibo Aslan could have the UFC Gentle Heavyweight Championship in his possession.
Each time his subsequent combat occurs to be, whoever his opponent is, it’ll be a great present for Ibo Aslan.
