Max Holloway and Arnold Allen headlined the Fight Night card in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday night. Read below to see how we viewed the fight
Round One
Allen opens up with some calf kicks before an accidental low blow less than a minute in. After a brief break in the action, Holloway nods to the referee, Jason Herzog, to indicate that he is fine to continue.
A couple of good combos by Holloway were defended well by Allen.
Arnold hits Max with a hard left hand which Holloway just eats, seemingly unfazed.
Both fighters have brief exchanges with Holloway landing a couple of high kicks. A spinning back kick and a late flurry follow from Holloway in what was otherwise a close first round.
Our verdict – R1 Max Holloway
Allen’s corner tells him repeatedly to throw the overhand left when Holloway blitzes.
Round Two
Holloway is backing up, looking for counters, much like the start of the first round.
Allen lands a huge left, followed up with a left kick. Another couple of good shots by Allen, followed by a couple of low kicks in return by Holloway.
Halfway through this round, Max became the 1st UFC fighter to have 3000 significant strikes. Impressive stuff.
Every time Max comes forward, Allen throws a punch, showing he has taken his corners advice.
Great body shot by Holloway.
A body kick by Holloway then connects with some snap, the clapping sound being heard through the arena.
In another close round, Allen started well but Holloway improved as the round went on.
R2 – Arnold Allen (just)
Round Three
Great combo from ‘Blessed’. Allen was off balance as he retreated towards the fence. Allen then connects with another left before Holloway connects with a kick.
Halfway through the fight and both fighters still look in great shape. Allen shows he is capable of competing against the elite.
A cut on Holloways left eye – it looks to be on the inside of his eyebrow and isn’t causing any problem with his vision.
Low blow by Max – Allen doesn’t want a break and is happy to continue.
Circling by Max, landing a couple of good shots intermittently, showing us glimpses of his high-level striking. He then lands another piercing body shot and left elbow.
Very efficient round by Max. His shots were landing
R3 – Max Holloway
Allen’s corner tells him to counter more in the next round.
Round Four
A cagey start to the fourth. The spinning back kick by Holloway just misses. They stand and trade in the center for a period – shots are few and far between as the pace is noticeably slower.
Holloway stumbles back to the fence off-balance and Allen lands a kick in the process.
Straight left by Allen. Holloway responds with another clean body kick. The round is coming to life as we approach the final minute. Allen lands a clean left straight up the pipe.
This has been the hardest round to score in our eyes. A very close fight however Holloway seems to be landing more.
R4 – Max Holloway (just)
Allen’s corner seems to agree, telling Allen he needs a finish in round 5
Round Five
A great right hand by Allen to start the round, then a left hand and great combo by Allen for good measure – he’s started this ground aggressively, once again taking note of the advice from his corner.
Max fires back with a spinning elbow landing on Allen’s chin.
Great body kick by Holloway – he’s landed a lot of these tonight. Left head kick lands for Allen before an immediate follow up which is blocked by Holloway.
Daniel Cormier (on color commentary) says that this is a more composed, measured Holloway. Allen trips Holloway but he quickly gets back to his feet.
Allen ends the round holding Max against the fence before both men start swinging for the fences. The final horn bellows out.
R5 – Arnold Allen
Our verdict. Holloway 48-47 Allen
We go to the judge’s scorecards…..
49-46, 49-46, 48-47 – Holloway wins by UD
Both men show great respect for each other post-fight, as to be expected with these two men. An extremely high-level fight.
Elsewhere on the card:
Edson Barboza v Billy Quarantillo – Barboza by R1 KO
Dustin Jacoby v Azamat Murzakanov – Murzakanov by UD
Tanner Boser v Ion Cuțelaba – Cuțelaba wins by R1 KO
Pedro Munhoz v Chris Gutierrez – Munhoz by UD
Clay Guida v Rafa Garcia – Garcia by UD
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