UFC 194: McGregor vs Aldo - Review and results
A historic night in VegasA historic night. Historic performances. Historic memories. UFC 194 was everything it was supposed to be. We finally got the featherweight unification fight between Aldo and McGregor. We finally got the middleweight showdown between Weidman and Rockhold. We finally got Jacare Romero, Nelson Maia and Holloway - Stephens. It truly was about time.Below we look back at an event that will live long in the memory as champions put their titles on the line, legends put their legacy on the line and rising stars put their hype on the line. If you havent already watched the event, please find a way to do so. But until then, enjoy a detailed breakdown of all the drama, all the heartbreak and all the glory from an epic night of fights.
#1 Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens
Holloway was coming in to the fight on the back of the biggest winning streak of his career. Stephens on the other hand was trying to push on from his win at UFC 189, which came after back to back defeats. On a card headlined by the current featherweight kings, this was a showcase of the depths of the division.
Round 1
The fight began with both men switching between orthodox to southpaw stance trying to create openings for themselves. They spent much of the opening exchanges trying to get establish their range. The cagey opening was a testament to the respect both fighters have to each other. A stutter stop kick to the body by Holloway was caught by Stephens who would proceed to push him against the cage trying to take him down. Holloway however defended and forced the fight back to the centre. Though there wasn’t much action in the first round, Holloway dictated the pace and direction of the fight for a majority of the time.
SK score – Holloway 10-9
Round 2
In the early exchanges of round 2, Holloway picked his shots and got out of danger, continuing to dictate the exchanges. There was a lot of hand fighting as both men tried to create openings. Holloway threw a spinning body kick but Stephens defended, pushed him against the cage again and tried to score a takedown. Holloway however, resisted and eventually moved away. The two finally opened up a bit landing significant strikes each in an exchange. Normalcy was resumed when Stephens once again pinned Holloway against the cage and Holloway successfully defended the takedown. There were a few more big shots attempted by both however the second round ended in similar fashion to the first.
SK score – Holloway 10-9 [20-18]
Round 3
Between rounds, Stephens’ corner told him he needed to knock Holloway out. Stephens threw an early head kick, coming out the more aggressive fighter. However he left an opening which allowed Holloway to take him down. Holloway was working towards an arm triangle before getting Stephens back trying to lock in a choke. Stephens resisted but Holloway spun into half guard and began raining down shots. Holloway once again tried to lock in the choke. Stephens managed to scramble to his feet and get the fight to the centre. Stephens began going for broke, throwing big shots with little reward. Stephens attempted an 8th takedown and Holloway defended for the 8th time. The last 20 seconds was an all-out stand and bang with Stephens desperate for the finish.
SK score – Holloway 10-9 [30-27]
Official Result – Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision [30-27, 30-27, 29-28]