UFC 308: Newcomer saves welterweight clash on Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway fight card

Rinat Fakhretdinov will fight at UFC 308 after all.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Fakhretdinov now faces UFC newcomer Carlos Leal at the Oct. 26 pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi. Eurosport was first to report the booking.

Leal steps in for Nursulton Ruziboev, who was forced to withdraw from the bout for undisclosed reasons, making his octagon debut on a week’s notice. A seven-fight PFL veteran...