A bloodied and swollen Max Holloway outlasted Yair Rodriguez in a featherweight slugfest Saturday, taking the main event of UFC Vegas 42 by unanimous decision in Las Vegas.
Rodriguez’s battered face also told the story of the epic main event, won by “Blessed” 49-46, 48-47, 48-47. Holloway held on in the fifth despite an elbow that opened a cut.
Max Holloway locks up top featherweight contender spot at UFC Vegas 42
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best — and the best is ‘Blessed,’ baby,” Holloway said after the victory.
The pair combined to land 389 significant strikes, the third most in one fight in UFC history, according to ESPN. Holloway landed 251 total strikes to Rodriguez’s 186.
“Max is an amazing fighter,” Rodriguez said following the bout. “He has a lot of experience. He’s done an amazing job. I have nothing to do but accept [the loss].”
The duo earned plaudits from UFC president Dana White, too.
“Insane,” White said. “It was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen.”
In the co-main event, Marcos Rogerio de Lima defeated Ben Rothwell by technical knockout 32 seconds into the first round of their heavyweight bout. Rogerio de Lima improved to 19-8-1.
Saturday’s other main card winners included Felicia Spencer, Khaos Williams, and Song Yadong.
UFC Vegas 42 performance bonus winners
- Fight of the Night: Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez
- Performance of the Night: Khaos Williams
- Performance of the Night: Andrea Lee
–Field Level Media
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