UFC On ESPN 44 “Holloway Vs Allen” + Weekly MMA Report
UFC 287 took part last week, and we witnessed many high-level finishes and technical wars. Let’s look back at the previous event.
UFC 287 Recap
The main event was a banger. Israel Adesanya avenged the loss in the first fight to reclaim the 185-pound belt. The Nigerian striker floored Alex Pereira with a big right in the second.
ADESANYA GETS ONE BACK! HE KNOCKS PEREIRA OUT COLD! 😱 #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/P01reBg6je
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
Adesanya also won the Performance of the Night award. The second POTN award went into the hands of Rob Font, who destroyed Adrian Yanez with a nasty punch in the first round.
ROB FONT GETS IT DONE IN THE BIGGEST WAY!!@RobSFont with the KO in Round 1! #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/lMuCBwsDqe
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
The last fight of the preliminary card was fireworks. Chris Curtis and Kelvin Gastelum were trading big powerful bombs for three rounds. Interestingly, Curtis out-struck Gastelum, but Kelvin won the fight via decision. Both fighters earned the extra 50,000 dollars for the Fight of the Night.
UFC On ESPN 44 Announcement
UFC travels to Kansas City, Missouri, for another UFC fight night event. The UFC on ESPN 44 is headlined by the clash between two very technical fellas – Max Holloway and Arnold Allen.
Image source: @UFCBrasil Twitter
Max Holloway took part in many five-round wars, so he got used to standing and banging for 25 minutes. Holloway is known for very technical hooks and straight punches, he is one of the longest 145ers on the roster.
Holloway lacks punch power, but he’s a master of combos and level change. He can stand and bang for five rounds with ease. Max’s face was messed up on many occasions, so don’t be surprised if this combat turns into a bloody and battered war.
Arnold Allen is known for his toughness and superb angling. He stays away from the central line all the time, plus he’s one of the trickiest guys on the UFC 145-pound roster. Allen hits way harder than Holloway, but his punches are slower. Allen likes to spend to train strength and power, so his fists could lead to a knockout blow.
Prediction: over 2.5 rounds
The co-main event of the evening brings the clash of two brawlers – Billy Quarantillo and Edson Barboza. Both fighters like to pressure and take part in violent toe-to-toe exchanges, this is a great candidate for the Fight of the Night award.
Billy Quarantillo took part in amazing wars against Gavin Tucker, Shane Burgos, Alexander Hernandez, and Gabriel Benitez. He is a fan favorite for a reason. When Billy fights, the bout has to be entertaining to watch.
Edson Barboza has an extensive background in Taekwondo and his right spinning back kick is extremely powerful, which he showed in the fight against legendary New Zealander Dan Hooker. Edson is better in long-range strikes and clinch shots, but Billy is a better puncher. I am adamant this will turn into a bloody war.
Prediction: fight starts round 3
UFC On ESPN 44 Full Fight Card
Please take a look at the full UFC on ESPN 44 fight card, there are many high-level names here. This is not a PPV event, but you’ll enjoy watching it!
Main Card (UFC on Fight Pass, ESPN/ESPN+, 8:30 PM ET, 1:30 AM UK time)
Featherweight main event: Max Holloway (23-7-0) vs. Arnold Allen (19-1-0)
Featherweight: Edson Barboza (22-11-0) vs. Billy Quarantillo (17-4-0)
Light Heavyweight: Dustin Jacoby (18-6-1) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (12-0-0)
Light Heavyweight: Ion Cutelaba (16-9-1) vs. Tanner Boser (20-9-1)
Bantamweight: Pedro Munhoz (19-7-0) vs. Chris Gutierrez (19-3-2)
Lightweight: Clay Guida (38-22-0) vs. Rafa García (15-3-0)
Preliminary Card (UFC on Fight Pass, ESPN+, 5:30 AM ET, 10:30 PM UK time)
Featherweight: TJ Brown (17-9-0) vs. Bill Algeo (16-7-0)
Flyweight: Brandon Royval (14-6-0) vs. Matheus Nicolau (19-2-1)
Light Heavyweight: Ed Herman (24-15-0) vs. Zak Cummings (24-7-0)
Strawweight: Piera Rodriguez (9-0-0) vs. Gillian Robertson (11-7-0)
Lightweight: Lando Vannata (12-6-2) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (12-1-0)
Strawweight: Bruna Brasil (8-2-1) vs. Denise Gomes (6-2-0)
Bantamweight: Gaston Bolaños (6-3-0) vs. Aaron Phillips (12-4-0)
Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards (12-4-0) vs. Lucie Pudilová (14-7-0)
UFC On ESPN 44 Predictions
Please check my predictions for the upcoming UFC fight card.
UFC Kansas is one heck of an event, please don’t miss this one. It kicks off at 5:30 PM ET on Saturday, let’s enjoy some of the greatest wars of the year!
