Max Holloway pays tribute to Arnold Allen after beating him at UFC Kansas City

Max Holloway paid tribute to British star Arnold Allen after claiming a sensational five-round win over him in Kansas City. 

Allen came up short in his biggest fight to date, breaking a 12-fight winning streak, despite also acquitting himself admirably against one of the sport’s greatest fighters. 

There was plenty of mutual respect between the pair and Holloway offered glowing praise afterwards. 

He said: ‘Allen is the nicest dude ever, in between rounds he was smiling and I was like I can’t talk s*** to this guy. 

‘I told him you’re a legend and we’ll probably see each other a number of times. He’s up there, his IQ is super good, he brought it for five rounds, he was very smart. 

Arnold Allen and Max Holloway embraced and ‘Blessed’ thinks they’ll fight again in the future

Allen gave his best shot and would have put many fighters out with the blows he landed 

‘He is an awesome guy, a thick boy, like a bodybuilder and upper body like a tank. It was kind of confusing.’

The Hawaiian went on to deny he was irritated by those writing him off and saying his career is on the down slope. 

He said: ‘I’m still here, I screamed it at you afterwards I think. I heard Arnold was going to break my chin, too slow, too old, but I wanted to go out there and hit and not get hit. 

‘I just laugh when people doubt me, I come from this sport and there are lots of s*** talkers. 

‘I thought he’d come after me a bit sooner. He couldn’t quite figure it out, my corner said don’t get lazy.  

‘I’ve been in there so long now, it’s just another walk in the park, we know we’ll get the job done.’

The Hawaiian began to throw more creative strikes later on in the five round contest 

Allen will learn plenty from the experience but may end up regretting not pushing harder early on in the contest. 

Once Holloway had cruised into a lead, it looked as though he had complete control and was able to calculate his risks. 

‘Almighty’ will no doubt bounce back and, if, as Holloway predicts, the pair meet in the future, nobody will be turning down a second look after this five-round bonanza.