Max Holloway proved he is still a force to be reckoned with after a comprehensive win over Arnold Allen in the UFC on ESPN 44 main event.
The former featherweight champion had no trouble in outclassing a game Allen, but the outcome of the fight was never in doubt. Holloway got back in the win column and added his name to the records books at the same time.
In the first round, Allan kept Holloway outside with leg kicks until an inadvertent low blow paused the action. When they resumed, Holloway fired off combinations and drove Allan back. Though Allan would land a clean left-hand shot, Holloway’s pace and activity won the round.
Allan went back to the left hand in the second, finding the mark several times as he looked to recapture momentum. Though it may have been his best round, Holloway was no worse for wear and handled his power well.
Holloway would win the third by circling and confusing Allan with stance switches. As Allan tried to devise a strategy, Holloway was peppering him with punches and leg kicks, and as the round ended, Allan was without answers heading into uncharted territory.
The fourth and fifth rounds emphasized Holloway’s experience and conditioning. Allan couldn’t get off early enough and was outworked in the extra rounds. In the fifth, the two traded bombs until Holloway put a bow on it when he scored a late knockdown right before the final bell.
Ringside judges gave Holloway a unanimous decision victory with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
With the win, Holloway moves to 24-7 and proves he is still the best featherweight in the division aside from Volkanovski.
Allan suffers his first UFC defeat, dropping to 19-2.
Underdogs rule the day
The underdogs came up big on the undercard. Edson Barbosa saved his career with a first-round KO of Billy Quarantillo that earned him KO of the night.
Azamat Murzankanov stunned Dustin Jacoby, winning a decision in a spirited fight.
Pedro Munhoz may have scored the upset of the night with a decision win over Chris Gutierrez to snap a two-fight win streak.
UFC on ESPN 44 full card results
Max Holloway def. Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Edson Barboza def. Billy Quarantillo via knockout – Round 1, 2:37
Azamat Murzakanov def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser via TKO – Round 1, 2:05
Pedro Munhoz def. Chris Gutierrez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Rafa Garcia def. Clay Guida via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bill Algeo def. TJ Brown via submission – Round 2, 1:40
Brandon Royval def. Matheus Nicolau via knockout – Round 1, 2:09
Zak Cummings def. Ed Herman via TKO – Round 3, 4:13
Gillian Robertson def. Piera Rodriguez via submission – Round 2, 4:21
Daniel Zellhuber def. Lando Vannata via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Denise Gomes def. Bruna Brasil via TKO – Round 2, 2:42
Gaston Bolanos def. Aaron Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Joselyne Edwards def. Lucie Pudilova via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
