The fight went to the judges once more, but this time it wasn’t even close — Alexander Volkanovski is the clear king of the featherweights, defeating Max Holloway at UFC 276
After the controversial nature of their second championship fight at UFC 251, Alexander Volkanovski made sure this one wasn’t even close. It was even more one-sided than the fight at UFC 245.
Volkanovski scored a convincing win over Max Holloway in the co-main event of UFC 276 to retain the UFC featherweight championship.
All three judges scored the bout 50-45 in favor of Volkanovski.
Alexander Volkanovski sweeps the scorecards, and the rivalry, defeating Max Holloway to retain at UFC 276
While the first round felt more of a feeling-out section, it was clear Volkanovski had the upper hand, landing the better punches — sometimes setting them up with leg kicks — and troubling Holloway with speed.
Holloway attempted to pressure Volkanovski during the second round, continuously coming forward and throwing in kicks, but Volkanovski still did the better job of landing strikes, including one that opened up a cut around his left eye.
Volkanovski continued to work his jab in the third round, scoring shot after shot on Holloway despite Holloway’s best offensive efforts. Holloway looked for kicks and more combinations in the fourth, but nothing seemed to work to slow Volkanovski down.
The fifth round was a complete battering, as Volkanovski practically tagged Holloway all the way to the final horn.
Following the fight, Volkanovski teased a move up to lightweight, seeking champ-champ status.