Alexander Volkanovski just caused the upset of the year by beating the featherweight champion, Max Holloway.
In the co-main event of UFC 245, the long-reigning featherweight champion, Max Holloway squared off against Alexander Volkanovski. Arguably the greatest featherweight in the history of MMA, Max Holloway was unbeaten in the division for years for a long time. However, it was believed that Volkanovski would be the toughest test of Holloway’s fight career. Vokanovski’s pressure, cardio, and power were believed to give Holloway trouble and it sure did.
The first round was high paced as both Holloway and Volkanovski were covering distance and landing shots on each other. While Volkanovski was looking for the power shots Holloway was just getting into the rhythm for a marathon as he usually does.
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Alexander Volkanovski came into the fight with a gameplan and he executed it perfectly in the early rounds. Volkanovski chopped off Holloway’s left leg with a high volume of leg kicks. Volkanovski landed more than 30 kicks. The leg kicks took a toll on the champion as Holloway started leading with the right leg and did not switch stance for a meaningful period in the fight. Although Holloway was landing combos here and there he was likely losing on the judges’ scorecards.
Going into the championship rounds Holloway was likely down by 3 rounds. The fourth round was the most competitive as Holloway bit down the mouthpiece and switch to a conventional stance despite the hurt left leg. However, that did not seem enough for Holloway to win the round as Volkanovski was landing way more strikes than Holloway was.
It was tremendous seeing both the fighters giving it all even in the final round after a high paced grueling battle. The pressure was on the Holloway and a finish was what he needed to keep the title with him. Holloway had some success, but Volkanovski was landing some vicious punches too. Holloway absorbed more than 70 leg kicks that changed the complexion of the fight entirely.
Well, with that win from Volkanovski the long-reigning streak of one of the greatest fighter in the sport ended as Holloway loses his title at UFC 245. It was a great fight and it’s safe to say that fans are going to get the rematch between these two featherweight elites very soon.
UFC 245 Results: Aldo vs Moraes
