UFC 276 Results and Highlight: Alexander Volkanovski Outperforms Max Holloway

In the UFC 276 co-main event, Alexander Volkanovski defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision to put an end to their rivalry as featherweights. Volkanovski would dearly want to add a second championship to his CV. A competitive battle in the first round gave way to Volkanovski’s lopsided performance as he just piled on the punishment round after round, leaving Holloway a bleeding mess as the final bell rang. With a unanimous 50-45 decision from the judges, Volkanovski improved to 3-0 against Holloway. Following his victory against Holloway, Volkanovski is now considering the lightweight class as a possible destination for his next fight.

Beginning with Volkanovski loading up on a right hand and Holloway pressing forward while trying to establish his volume-hitting approach, it was a game of inches between the two finest featherweights in the world. Volkanovski’s timing and pace, which he used in rhythm with a stinging left and a strong right behind it, made the difference in the early going. When he could prolong the exchanges, Holloway began to return the favor by throwing many punches back-to-back, which allowed him to start hitting his mark. Despite occasional setbacks, Volkanovski was continuously making stronger connections, which made Holloway cautious about pushing himself too far.

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A large cut appeared above Holloway’s left eye midway through the second round as a consequence of Volkanovski’s well-placed counter right hand that caught the Hawaiian moving forward. Blood began to trickle down Holloway’s face since the wound was in a horrible place just above the eye. Beginning the third round with such a severe cut that could require the ringside doctor to examine him more closely later in the fight, Holloway’s haste was understandable. The issue was that Holloway’s attempt at a comeback was hampered by the blood going into his eye as well as Volkanovski’s accuracy and strength.

Amazingly, Volkanovski continued to increase his production toward the end of the contest as he intensified his pursuit of Holloway with the same deft left jab that was always followed by a crushing right. While Volkanovski continued to batter Holloway, he managed to maintain enough composure to prevent any opportunities for the former champion to catch him. While Holloway’s face was merely covered in blood and perspiration as he watched the fight slip away, Volkanovski continued to aim for the knockout as the fifth round came to an end.  Even though Holloway, who had his own claim to being among the greatest 145-pound fighters in history, now has three victories against Volkanovski, who had already established himself as the finest featherweight in the sport. Volkanovski made a convincing case that perhaps he could be one-half of whatever title battle is created when the UFC gets ready for the next championship match in the division because there isn’t presently a lightweight champion crowned.