UFC: Holloway, Rodriguez produce instant classic

LAS VEGAS: A week after Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler left jaws agape with their fierce battle at Madison Square Garden that seemingly locked up the 2021 UFC Fight of the Year, Max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez delivered another classic that was every bit as thrilling and entertaining as the fight some called the best ever just a week ago.

Holloway and Rodriguez capped one of the best top-to-bottom cards of the year with a sensational, awe-inspiring performance. Holloway won a unanimous decision by scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46 Saturday at Apex which left the small crowd on its feet roaring its approval.

Neither fighter made it to the post-fight news conference. They spent 25 minutes battering each other and then hopped into an ambulance and made a trip to a local hospital for a precautionary examination. Rodriguez's right foot was grotesquely swollen, as if it may be broken from all the kicks he threw. Holloway not only absorbed dozens of calf kicks, but he withstood a Rodriguez assault that included punches, kicks, elbows and knees thrown from every angle imaginable, all with vicious intent.

"Insane," UFC president Dana White called the bout. "It's one of the best fights I've ever seen."

Rodriguez hadn't fought in two years, but looked sharp as could be and stamped himself as a legitimate contender in the featherweight division.

There wasn't much else he could have done to improve on his performance. He happened to fight a guy who not only is one of the best in UFC history, but who is as durable as anyone who has ever competed.

Rodriguez couldn't complain afterward because he delivered an A+ performance against arguably the greatest featherweight ever.

"I came really prepared for this fight, but Max is just an amazing fighter," Rodriguez said. "He has a lot of experience and he did an amazing job." Agencies

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