UFC 231
The last time we saw Max Holloway inside the octagon, back in December 2017, he had retained his Featherweight crown by finishing legendary former champion Jose Aldo by TKO in the second round, marking his second victory over the Brazilian in six months. Yesterday, Holloway, who has only recently 27, extended his undefeated streak to 13 consecutive victories, and an overall record of 20-3 when he stopped undefeated prospect Brian Ortega by doctor’s stoppage at the end of the fourth round in Toronto, in what is already being discussed as potentially the fight of the year. The outstanding clinic Holloway displayed on his opponent was beyond impressive, as was the resilience and willpower shown by the young challenger, who accumulated over 200 significant strikes and never relented, managing to find a window of success in the third round.
The co-main event saw one of the most anticipated women’s fights, where Valentina Shevchenko outpointed former Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, 49-46 on all three judges’ scorecards. The size advantage and power disparity proved to be too much, especially in the grappling exchanges, and although the Polish fighter held her own and found moments of success, mostly due to her renowned endurance, Shevchenko was able to win a dominant decision and obtain the vacant Flyweight title.
In the other fights on the card, Gunnar Nelson submitted Alex Olivera by rear-naked choke in a bloodbath of a fight, while Thiago Santos scored a spectacular knockout victory over Jimi Manuwa.
Overall, the event exceeded many fan’s expectations, and provided arguably the best fight of 2018 in the UFC’s last PPV of the year. The outcomes shall lead to many interesting possibilities entering the new year, with the chance of the Featherweight king moving up to the 155-pound division and possibly becoming a double champion.
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