Yahoo Sports UFC Fight Night 74 Results: Max Holloway Wins by Disappointing Stoppage Over Charles Oliveira
Two of the fastest rising stars in the UFC featherweight division, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira entered the main event at UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Sunday night, each ready to prove that he is the next great contender at 145 pounds.
The fight started to deliver the expected fireworks from the opening bell. Both fighters rushed to the center of the Octagon and began firing.
Oliveira was looking to land his explosive kicks, while Holloway began working hard punches to the body, trying to wear Oliveira down and set him up for a fiery finish.
Just as the fight began to deliver, however, it was over.
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Oliveira shot for a takedown and Holloway used his underhooks to turn the Brazilian on the way to the canvas. Knowing he didn’t want to play inside of Oliveira’s guard, Holloway stood and backed away, forcing the fight back to the feet.
Before things could start up again, Oliveira put his right hand to his left shoulder in obvious pain, and then stuck out his left hand to ward Holloway off, as the Hawaiian began to engage again. Oliveira then slouched against the fence and down to the canvas, laying flat on his back as referee Herb Dean waved off the fight.
It was unclear what the extent of Oliveira’s injury was, but there was no questioning Holloway’s class.
“Everybody, send your prayers to Charles. This is how we make our living. All my prayers to Charles,” were the first words uttered from the Hawaiian’s mouth.
Hopefully this fight will happen again at some point, so that we can see it play out fully, but with a TKO stoppage victory due to injury in hand – his seventh consecutive win – Holloway took aim at his next opponent, which certainly had to have given UFC officials something to think about.
“People keep saying this might be a title contention shot, but I believe one guy deserves it and that’s Frankie Edgar. So UFC, why not go to UFC Hawaii, Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar, Aloha Stadium? Next year, let’s do it!”
