Volkanovski surprises Holloway and wins featherweight title at UFC 245

A. Volkanovski (photo) is the new featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC

The Australian Alexander Volkanovsky was responsible for ending the reign of Max Holloway in the co-main event of UFC 245, held this Saturday (14). With the featherweight title (up to 65,7kg) up for grabs, the challenger did not allow the Hawaiian to put his strategy into practice and emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision.

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Alexander took to the Octagon this weekend as one of the biggest 'underdogs' of the night. In front of him, the Australian would have to beat the man who delivered two hard knockouts to José Aldo, in 2017. Aware of the responsibility, Volkanovski showed great preparation and strictly followed the game plan created by his team to achieve the great feat.

After the triumph, the Australian increased the number of consecutive victories to 18 and began a new phase in the featherweight division. In addition to the achievement, the athlete interrupted the good phase of Holloway, who had not been defeated in the division since the setback to Conor McGregorIn 2013.

The fight

The athletes started the fight with a lot of study and taking the center of the octagon. Holloway took the initiative by throwing a jab, but then responded with a low kick. The champion continued throwing punches at the challenger's body, but Alexander showed danger in the counterattack. While the Hawaiian tried to find the distance, the Australian showed danger in his explosions. Max started to loosen up and danced in front of his opponent. Volkanovski, however, almost planted a bomb in the champion's face, who smiled. The athletes exchanged more blows in the center of the octagon, but there was no more time.

The Australian returned for the second stage, delivering a good low kick to Max's leg. The champion continued trying to undermine his opponent's body with high and low punches. Alexander continued connecting the best blows while Holloway seemed to look for the best moment to start imposing his rhythm. Even with the Hawaiian's insistence on risking jabs, the Australian continued walking forward trying to surround the featherweight number one. Max continued to bet on the counterattack and the round came to an end with the athletes exchanging blows in the center of the octagon.

As in the previous rounds, the fight continued to be fought on the feet. Holloway started the round walking forward and began to provoke his opponent, trying to induce his opponent to make a mistake. Alexander remained concentrated and delivered good blows against the champion's body. Holloway expected the Australian to attack to return the attack. The Hawaiian landed good jabs on his opponent's face, but he was also suffering from the challenger's pressure. In the final minute, the Australian appeared to be a slight favorite in the dispute, but, in the final seconds, a knee strike applied by the champion ended up scaring the Australian. In the end, both tried to throw punches, but both failed.

After four rounds of pressure, Alexander was still active in the fight. The Australian still threw dangerous crosses that touched the champion's face. Max was beginning to have to loosen up more to guarantee the maintenance of his title. Holloway continued to use the jab, but it wasn't enough to hurt his opponent's face. After four minutes, the athletes began a dialogue in the center of the octagon and threatened an open exchange. The champion landed two good blows to his opponent's face, but the Australian responded competently.

Max entered the last stage needing a great performance to take away the chance of losing the title. Volkanovski continued to show a good fighting rhythm and did not give the champion any space to put his strategy into play. After three minutes, Alexander connected with a good elbow to Holloway's face. The champion did not accuse the blow and still provoked his rival. The athletes went into a frank fight at the end, but there was no more time.

UFC 245 results

MAIN CARD

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Kamaru Usman derrotou Colby covington by technical knockout at 4m10s of R5 – title fight

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Alexander Volkanovsky derrotou Max Holloway in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-47 48-47 50-45) – title fight

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Amanda nunes derrotou Germain de Randamie in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-44, 49-45, 49-46) – title fight

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Marlon moraes derrotou José Aldo in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Petr yan derrotou Urijah faber by knockout at 0m43s of R3

PRELIMINARY CARD

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Geoff neal derrotou Mike Perry by knockout at 1m30s of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Irene aldana derrotou Ketlen Scallop by knockout at 4m51s of R1

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Omari Akhmedov derrotou Ian Heinisch in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight: Matt Brown defeated Ben Saunders by knockout at 4:55 of R2

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Chase Hooper defeated Daniel Teymur by knockout at 4:34 of R1

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Brandon Moreno defeated Kai-Kara France via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Jessica Eye derrotou Viviane Araujo in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Punahele Soriano defeated Oskar Piechota by knockout at 3m17s of R1