Joe Rogan keeps saying that Max Holloway is the undisputed greatest featherweight champion of all-time. However, we’d argue that Jose Aldo’s ten-year reign should be given a bit more respect. Holloway has been magnificent but his reign has finally ended.
Alexander Volkanovski is the new 145lb champion. The Australian put on a tactical masterclass to outpoint Holloway on all three judge’s scorecards. In short, it’s been a remarkable rise for ‘The Great’ who used to play Rugby League down under before transitioning to MMA. Finally, he’s a UFC champion. That’s got to feel amazing.
In truth, Holloway was never really allowed to get going as Volkanovski’s gameplan was superb and efficient. Dana White confirmed that ‘Blessed’ will get a rematch if he wants it, but right now it’s The Great’s’ time. Check out the highlights below from an entertaining chess battle.
What a brilliant show from Alexander Volkanovski. Forcing a stance switch within seven minutes, jamming Max's combos with counters, rocking the phone booth and matching a legendary gas tank – all traits of a deserving champ. Congrats on the throne, @alexvolkanovski! #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/sLtH8h6mYZ
— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) December 15, 2019
Clinical
Volkanovski shares the same City Kickboxing coaches as Israel Adesanya and did his camp at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket. In short, they clearly prepared him for everything Holloway had to offer. The Hawaiian’s output is usually ridiculous as he pours the pressure onto his opponent. First of all, they had to figure out how to stop this.
The answer was simple: leg kicks. Volkanovski went to town on Holloway’s left leg for the first two rounds of the fight. It meant that ‘Blessed’ couldn’t switch stances in his usual manner because of the damage he was taken. Furthermore, the Australian actually broke the record for the most leg kicks in a title fight.
Effective
His overall striking and movement were excellent. Although Holloway was able to jab effectively, Volkanovski controlled the pace and brought the fight to the Hawaiian. It was an incredibly frustrating night for the champion. Despite being able to let loose more in the final round, it was all too late for Holloway.
But ‘Blessed’s’ right leg was getting worked over too, further reducing his mobility. Although he’ll definitely get a rematch if he wants it, maybe he should take a bit of time out of the sport for a while. To sum up, Judges had it 48-47 twice and 50-45 for Volkanovski, ending Holloway’s reign. This also makes Volkanovski the first Australian-born champion to win a UFC title (Robert Whittaker was born in New Zealand.)
Throwing wild in the pocket!
Four rounds down, one to go! 🏆 #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/7iwyF8qb72
— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019
Full Results
Meanwhile, there were two other title fights on the card. In the main event, Kamaru Usman knocked out Colby Covington to defend his 170lb title. This was a brilliant fight because of the brutal pace of both men. Elsewhere, Amanda Nunes out-grappled Germaine De Randamie to defend her bantamweight title again. There were also big knockout wins for Petr Yan over Urijah Faber and Geoff Neal over Mike Perry.
Main card
Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington via fifth-round TKO.
Alexander Volkanovski def. Max Holloway via UD.
Amanda Nunes def. Germaine de Randamie via UD.
Marlon Moraes def. Jose Aldo via split decision.
Petr Yan def. Urijah Faber via third-round KO.
Undercard
Geoff Neal def. Mike Perry via first-round TKO.
Irene Aldana def. Ketlen Vieira via first-round KO.
Omari Akhmedov def. Ian Heinisch via UD.
Matt Brown def. Ben Saunders via second-round KO.
Chase Hooper def. Daniel Teymur via first-round TKO.
Brandon Moreno def. Kai Kara-France via UD.
Jessica Eye def. Viviane Araujo via UD.
Punahele Soriano def. Oskar Piechota via first-round KO (3:17)
