Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar came to fight in the main event of UFC on ABC 1, but Holloway came especially prepared.
For 25 minutes, Holloway used his striking and footwork to land over 445 significant strikes and take a 50-43, 50-43, 50-42 decision victory over Kattar that had many fans marvelling afterwards at yet another dominant performance from the former champion.
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1350577890732122113?s=20
Kattar did his best to slown down the champion but was left baffled and off guard by Holloway. The strikes he landed were few and far between while absorbing significant amounts of strikes in the championship rounds.
Yet, Kattar would not quit.
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1350542352365064193?s=20
‘The Boston Finisher’ did land some big strikes late, including an overhand right, but had to settle for keeping on the defensive.
The win snaps Holloway’s two-fight losing skid and keeps in the conversation for a third title shot rematch with champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Kattar (22-5-0)’s two-fight win streak came to end with the loss.
In the post-fight press conference, Holloway said he was fine being the alternate in case someone dropped out of the lightweight fights at UFC 257 next week.
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1350587321289220100?s=20
Holloway and Kattar earned Fight of the Night, while Li Jingliang and Alessio Di Chirico took performances of the night. Each fighter earned a $50,000 USD bonus.
A couple of KO's that ignited the main card! 💰
💸 @UFCJingliang & @ManzoDiChirico grab the POTN bonuses.
[ #UFCFightIsland7 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/ALxRR3fO72
— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
In case you missed the prelims:
AUSTIN LINGO DEF. JACOB KILBURN VIA UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
VANESSA MELO DEF. SARAH MORAS (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
RAMAZAN EMEEV DEF. DAVID ZAWADA VIA SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
CARLOS FELIPE DEF. JUSTIN TAFA VIA SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
JOSELYNE EDWARDS DEf. WU YANAN VIA UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
MAIN CARD
PUNAHELE SORIANO VS. DUSKO TODOROVIC
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1350539373914238984?s=20
WINNER: PUNAHELE SORIANO VIA TKO (PUNCHES) R1 4:48
ANDREWS PREDICTION: DUSKO TODOROVIC VIA TKO
Andrews: A good fight while it lasted. Soriano knocked Dusko four times and Dusko was still trying to win. Hats off to Soriano.
Andrews Prediction: Dusko Todorovic via TKO
JOAQUIN BUCKLEY VS. ALESSIO DI CHIRICO
DI CHIRICO ON THE BUTTON! #UFCFightIsland7 pic.twitter.com/5c8u9a3Zrl
— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021
WINNER: ALESSIO DI CHIRICO VIA TKO (HEADKICK) R1 2:12
Andrews: Well, Buckley was definitely not expecting that. Good win for Alessio.
SANTIAGO PONZINIBBIO VS. LI JINGLIANG
🇨🇳 LEECH LEECH LEECH!!! #UFCFightIsland7 pic.twitter.com/lncb87j59S
— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021
WINNER: LI JINGLIANG VIA KO (PUNCHES) R1 4:25
ANDREWS PREDICTION: SANTIAGO PONZINIBBIO VIA TKO
Andrews: Wow! Ring rust is indeed a real thing and Ji took full advantage.
CARLOS CONDIT VS. MATT BROWN
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1350563934974177280?s=20
WINNER: CARLOS CONDIT VIA UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: CARLOS CONDIT VIA UD
Andrews: A good win for Condit, but he’s still a gatekeeper for the division.
MAIN EVENT
MAX HOLLOWAY VS. CALVIN KATTAR
I'M THE BEST BOXER IN THE UFC!!!! #UFCFightIsland7 pic.twitter.com/Nfc4Csp6f4
— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021
WINNER: MAX HOLLOWAY VIA UD (50-43, 50-43, 50-42)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: MAX HOLLOWAY VIA UD
Andrews: Holloway definitely returned to form and made a tough Kattar look like target practice.
The UFC event is scheduled for Jan. 20 at Fight Island. Welterweights Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny battle in the main event.
