Is He The Best Ever? Max Holloway Certainly Thinks So… This is Definitely the ‘Blessed Era’…
Max Holloway answered all of his critics on Saturday night with an awesome performance against Brian Ortega at UFC 231 in Toronto. This fight was absolutely brutal and showed off all of the Hawaiian’s skill. Credit must also be given to ‘T-City’ who showed incredible heart to keep going, despite taking ridiculous amounts of punishment against a superior opponent.
This was arguably the most anticipated featherweight title fight since Jose Aldo fought Conor McGregor. It’s rare you get two men in their fighting prime matched up so perfectly against each other. While there were a lot of questions coming into this one about whether or not Holloway’s weight issues would come up again, he silenced everyone by easily making the cut.
This was the ultimate display of efficient striking from Holloway who lit up Ortega constantly throughout their war, eventually winning after the doctor intervened at the end of the fourth round. Watch highlights below.
What year layoff?
🏆 @BlessedMMA is going to work. #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/kWbH7uAphR
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
Lit Up
Ortega got absolutely scorched by Holloway in this one. ‘Blessed’ landed 290 significant strikes – a new UFC single fight record. His output in the first couple of rounds was incredible as he let loose with devastating combinations, that just seemed to fight Ortega’s face at will.
Despite that, Holloway wasn’t able to put him away. Ortega did have his own moments. He was able to make contact with Holloway himself a few times, appearing to hurt the Hawaiian, and possibly snatching the third round. However, the fourth round was absolutely sensational. He went through Ortega, who was watched very closely by referee Yves Lavigne.
Ortega’s face was a horrific mess, with his left eye resembling a mushed up vegetable. It wasn’t a huge surprise when the doctor stopped the fight at the end of round 4, leaving Max Holloway the undisputed featherweight champion of the world.
Max Holloway Uses Brian Ortega’s Face For Target Practice!
😱👊💯#UFC231 pic.twitter.com/AsuUTRdNcD— David D. ™ (@DavidDLive) December 9, 2018
Lightweight
It looks highly likely that Holloway’s future will be at lightweight. That’s according to UFC President Dana White, who says that there are ‘bigger and better things’ for him at 155lbs. He believes that Holloway has nothing left to prove at 145 and that for the sake of his health it would be best for him to step up a division. White said in the post-fight press conference.
“I’d like to see Holloway go to 155 now. I think he’s done everything he’s needed to do at 145. I think there’s big things for him at 155.”
He also confirmed that running back the Holloway v McGregor fight would definitely be something they’d be interested in if ‘Blessed’ did move up. Give us Holloway v Pettis first though, please.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eUT66bdk1c
Elsewhere
This was one of the better pay-per-view cards we’ve had over the last couple of months, with a lot of action throughout. Jimi Manuwa and Thiago Santos served up an absolute war, with the Brazilian getting the knockout victory and earning the pair performance bonuses.
Meanwhile, Valentina Shevchenko outclassed Joanna Jedrzejczyck to become the new flyweight champion in a sublime display. A great night of action at the Scotiabank Arena.
