Max Holloway Starches Jose Aldo To Retain UFC Title

Jose Aldo fought hard, but fell short again against Max Holloway.

The stage was set for the main event of UFC 218. Holloway put his featherweight gold on the line against Aldo in a title rematch. The action took place inside Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Holloway had a measured approach early in the bout. He fired off a combination, but it was blocked. Aldo fired off a couple of leg kicks. They tied up and Aldo landed a knee to the body.

Holloway connected with a few jabs. Holloway appeared more patient than his opponent. He went high with a kick, but it was blocked. The jab kept finding a home for Holloway as the round came to a close. Aldo connected with an uppercut before the horn.

Right away, Holloway went to the jabs in round two. Aldo fired off a leg kick. Aldo connected with a right hand. He later landed two more leg kicks that caught the champion’s attention. A spinning back kick to the body found the mark for Holloway. He landed a one-two and they fired leather near the end of round two.

Aldo returned to the leg kicks early in the third frame. An elbow on the clinch break was there for Aldo. A knee to the body connected for Holloway. “Blessed” fired off a combination and Aldo returned fire.

Holloway began to land a series of strikes. Aldo landed an overhand right. The champion poured it on and landed a knee to the body. Aldo kept fighting back despite being peppered with shots and fading. Holloway stuffed a takedown attempt and gained top control. Blood poured down the face of Aldo. Referee Herb Dean had seen enough.

Final Result: Max Holloway def. Jose Aldo via TKO (strikes) – R3, 4:51