A Featherweight Championship rematch looked to either return Max Holloway to the throne, or remove him from contention at UFC 251 on Saturday night.
HEAD KICK! --@BlessedMMA lands a perfect kick to end RD 1️⃣.#UFC251 is LIVE on ESPN+ PPV https://t.co/2F9xYFynoh #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/LHUxkQ31KV
— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2020
Max Holloway, now the #1-ranked Featherweight, lost his championship at UFC 245 in December to Alexander Volkanovski. An immediate rematch was scheduled, despite the clear-cut victory in the first bout leaving little doubt.
Another knockdown! --
— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2020
Adjustments have been made for @BlessedMMA. #UFC251 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/iTeezIqGPP
The re-match left a lot more doubt. The two traded rounds, with most fans and media scoring the fight even heading into the fifth and deciding round. Volkanovski took that round, and the fight, earning a split decision victory. The champion moved to 9-0 since joining the UFC less than four years ago.
You can see our full, live coverage of UFC 251 from Fight Island at this link, and check out our show recap podcast at this link. Stay tuned to our relaunch of FightfulMMA.com in August, headed up by new Lead MMA Editor Shakuel Mahjouri.
