This weekend saw British standout, Arnold Allen, take on the biggest test of his promising career as he took on former champion and future shoe-in hall of famer Max Holloway over five rounds in the main event of the UFC’s return to Kansas City, Missouri.
Unfortunately for Allen, he wasn’t able to get the best of Holloway in the eyes of the judges on this occasion, as he lost a unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).
Although it wasn’t to be this time for Almighty, he undoubtedly still put on a performance that showed he could mix it with the very best that the 145lbs division has to offer.
Dana White
In his post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White acknowledged how great he thought Allen performed and that he admired the attitude he showed throughout the lead-up to the fight. The boss also pointed out the Holloway favouring crowd (which was to be expected with the fight taking place in the US) and that the moment never seemed to faze Arnold. The reaction from Dana seems to suggest that Allen has certainly lost no stock in his eyes, so we can expect to see him against another highly-ranked contender next time out.
Holloway and Allen
Max Holloway also gave props to his opponent in his octagon speech, where he asked the crowd to cheer Allen, and in his post-fight press conference, where he said Allen was right up there with the best that he has fought (a huge compliment when you take a look at the level of competition blessed has encountered) and in a wholesome video that emerged on social media that captured the pair embracing back stage. In the video, you can hear Max say that he’s sure they will meet again in the cage before they pose for a photo together.
Social Media
Arnold Allen also took to social media to give his immediate reactions and in typical Allen fashion talk about meal deals.
Arnold wrote via his official Instagram ‘An honour to share the cage with a legend in @blessedmma I just wasn’t good enough tonight’ and posted ‘Guess its back to the meal deals for now’ to his Twitter.
Max also took to social media writing ‘It felt good to be back out there. KC you guys were amazing. Shouts to @arnoldbfa as tough as they come. Thanks for being a great dance partner. Bless Express is on the move. #StillHere’ on his Instagram. The still here narrative was really pushed by the former champ after the fight as many had doubted him following his 3rd defeat to champion Alexander Volkanovski. I think we can safely say that Max Holloway is more than still here, and he’s not going anywhere soon.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
