UFC 308: Fan favorite saves heavyweight clash on Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway fight card

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Chris Barnett is heading to Abu Dhabi.

Barnett steps in on two weeks’ notice to face Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 308, which takes place Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena. The news was announced during Saturday’s UFC Vegas 98 broadcast.

The fan-favorite Barnett replaces Justin Tafa, who has been removed from the bout for undisclosed reasons. Barnett was slated to fight on Saturday’s event at the UFC APEX but was unable to compete due to reasons associated with Hurricane Milton.

Barnett returns to the octagon for the first time in over two years, a second-round TKO win over Jake Collier at UFC 279 in September 2022. “Beastboy” is 2-2 in his UFC run, including a memorable stoppage of Gian Villante at UFC 268 in November 2021 at Madison Square Garden.

Nzechukwu looks to snap a two-fight losing streak as he competes at heavyweight for the first time in his UFC career.

UFC 308 is headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway for the featherweight title.