“I heard those same things over and over again – he’s too old, too slow.”
Max Holloway should have been given at least one of his three losses to Alexander Volkanovski but he knows there is no point cribbing. The only way to earn another shot at gold is to go out and accumulate more wins and big performances.
On Saturday night, the UFC would bring a fight night event to Kansas City, writes Donal Long. The card would treat fans to an array of talent, with a top featherweight clash acting as the headliner.
Max Holloway would seek to return to winning ways as he faced exciting British prospect Arnold Allen [19-1], who had yet to lose in the UFC and had defeated the likes of Calvin Kattar and Dan Hooker.
Both men had moments of success throughout the five action packed rounds in the main event. However, Max Holloway was able to get the better of his English opposition to remain a top featherweight contender.
Arnold Allen was able to land some hard and impressive shots on the former featherweight champion to give him some issues. Although, Max Holloway looked as sharp and skilled as ever in his UFC career. His timing, speed and experience would help him get the win on the judges scorecards with a brilliant striking display.
Max Holloway’s incredible durability would also play a major part in the fight. He maintained his record of never being knocked down in the UFC despite being caught several times. However the Hawaiian fighter had an answer for everything Allen gave him.
An intense finish to the fight would even see Holloway knock down Allen in the very last second of the fifth round.
Both men gave each other a lot of respect in their post fight interviews. “Arnold Allen hits like a truck”, Holloway told Daniel Cormier. While Allen claims “Max is an inspiration to me.”
"He's going to break my chin. He's going to put me out. Too slow. Too old."
Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) silenced the critics at #UFCKansasCity. 🤫
Full interview: https://t.co/hLD1RZCOnN pic.twitter.com/inTP3vhP2i
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 16, 2023
Max Holloway headlined card featuring UFC fan favourite, Edson Barboza
It is unclear what each fighter will do now, although there is no doubt they both still have title aspirations. Champion of the featherweight division Alexander Volkanovski will look to defend his belt against interim champion Yair Rodriguez in July.
Also featuring on the card, UFC legend and fan favourite Edson Barboza would return to his best self. The co-main event would see Brazilian Barboza secure another stunning win in his career following a first round knee to the head of Billy Quarantillo.
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