UFC on ESPN 44 is headlined by the featherweight bout between former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway and the number 4 ranked Arnold Allen. American Max Holloway, who is currently number 2 in the Featherweight rankings, successfully defended the featherweight title three times before losing it to Alexander Volkanovski in December 2019. The bout takes place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, this Saturday marking the second time the promotion will hold an event in Kansas City.
MMA: UFC Featherweight
Location: T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN +
Date: 16.4.2023, 06:00
Max Holloway
Max Holloway is one of mixed martial arts's most successful featherweight fighters. Born in Hawaii, Holloway began his professional MMA career in 2010 and quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive style and impressive striking skills. In 2017, Holloway defeated Jose Aldo to win the featherweight title and successfully defended it in their rematch. Holloway defended the featherweight title three times, including against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. Holloway's reign as champion was ended by Australian fighter Alexander Volkanovski, who defeated him in a closely contested decision at UFC 245. Holloway and Volkanovski have since fought a trilogy, with Volkanovski winning the second and third fights. Holloway has consistently faced top-level opposition throughout his career. His losses have been only to a cast of great fighters like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Volkanovski.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 5' 11"
- Reach: 69"
- Record: 23-7
He's one of the best of this time, and if you look at the guys who have beaten him, they're basically the guys at the very top. That's one of the motivating factors [for me] fighting him. I want to put myself in that position. I want people to think of me as they do those guys. I believe I have the skillset and the mindset to be in that crowd.
Arnold Allen
Arnold Allen made his UFC debut on short notice and secured a third-round submission victory against Alan Omer in June 2015, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Despite injuries and scheduling issues, the Englishman has remained unbeaten in the UFC, defeating tough opponents such as Sodiq Yusuf and Calvin Kattar. The 29-year-old has received multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and is considered one of the top talents in the featherweight division, being in the top five of the rankings. In his latest fight in October 2022, he defeated Calvin Kattar via technical knockout.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 5' 9"
- Reach: 69.5"
- Record: 23-7
Betting Odds
Holloway is the bookies' favorite, with Bet365 pricing him to win at 1.53 odds. An Allen win is available at 2.6 odds on Bet365. There could be some value in the over/under 4.5 rounds bet, as over 4.5 rounds is priced at odds of 1.72 on 1XBET, while the under is going for odds of 2.05. Considering that Holloway has won his last seven fights by decision, a decision win for him is priced at odds of 2.75 on Coinplay.
