Alexander Volkanovski did just enough squeak out a split decision victory over Max Holloway and retain his UFC Featherweight Title at UFC 251.
The bout was contested almost exclusively on the feet with Holloway seeming to take the first two rounds after dropping Volkanovski in each of the rounds. Volkanovski became more aggressive in the third round and the judges rewarded his pressure and output, giving Volkanovski the split decision victory.
Here's how fighters reacted to the decision.
I’m someone who would know about a wrong decision, take it from me, @BlessedMMA with 3 knockdowns --
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) July 12, 2020
Thought that was Max, great fight!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 12, 2020
Very close and great fight!!. still think @BlessedMMA won. #ufc251
— Julio Arce (@JArceTSMMA) July 12, 2020
Oh man wow. Super close fights but I had Holloway winning. literally just got done telling my son you never know what the judges think. #ufc251
— BRYAN BARBERENA (@bryan_barberena) July 12, 2020
You over grown midget! You stole that one. I’ll make sure to stop you you thief. #ufc251
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 12, 2020
Shit
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 12, 2020
Nahhhhhhhhhh
— rachaelostovich (@rachaelostovich) July 12, 2020
Max won #UFCFightIsland #ufc251
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 12, 2020
Dam Holloway got robbed there by that decision #UFC251
— Vinc Pichel (@FromHellPichel) July 12, 2020
I had @BlessedMMA 3-2, made some great changes from the first fight.
— TJ Dillashaw (@TJDillashaw) July 12, 2020
@danawhite know u got Australia ---- vs USA ---- @alexvolkanovski vs @HenryCejudo I think this is the fight for u @HenryCejudo let’s get out of retirement. Let’s go back to work. pic.twitter.com/tb7L5xmhXi
— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) July 12, 2020
I had Max the first 3 Rds! Damn! That’s tough man. I feel for Max but congrats to Volkanovski#UFC251 #TheWeeklyScraps!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 12, 2020
Pushed hard and got that win! ---- Volk.
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) July 12, 2020
Trash!!! Max dropped him twice. How the fuck?!?
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) July 12, 2020
Yoooooo . I had Holloway 3-2------ #UFC251
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 12, 2020
What is going on? Are you freaking kidding me? Max won the 1 & 2ed fight, both have been Robbery #UFC251
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) July 12, 2020
Awe man! What a terrible decision! ----@BlessedMMA #UFC251 #UFC251LiveStream
— Marion Reneau (@BelizeanBruiser) July 12, 2020
Congrats @alexvolkanovski. Let’s give the fans what they want to see in March! #UFC251 #FightIsland
— Josh Emmett (@JoshEmmettUFC) July 12, 2020
Keep up with everything happening at UFC 251 with Fightful's ongoing coverage.
