Max Holloway Removes All Doubt At UFC 231

Max Holloway Removes All Doubt At UFC 231

Going into his UFC featherweight title defence at UFC 231 I was more concerned with the health of Max Holloway than the challenge of Brian Ortega. The challenger posed formidable problems and entered the fight as the betting favourite.

But Holloway removed all doubt about his health and who is the best featherweight around with his stunning performance in the main event in Canada. Ortega in losing for the first time was largely dominated, and Holloway was simply brilliant. The volume and accuracy of Holloway’s punches were too much for the incredibly brave challenger, who showed heart and durability beyond the call of duty.

Ortega never stopped trying to win the fight and in the 3rd he looked more than capable of pulling off a sensational comeback. But Holloway came out for the 4th and just overwhelmed his opponent. The stoppage before the 5th round could start was an act of mercy and saved Ortega for another day.

Holloway has virtually wiped out his division and for further challenges, and to avoid the drastic weight cut, needs to move to lightweight. Ready-made challengers in Khabib, Tony Ferguson and the last man to beat him Conor McGregor await, the most stacked division in MMA might soon get a little more crowded.

Ortega will surely come again but Holloway proved he is some fighter, and 2019 could be even better for him.