The UFC Fight Island 7 main event turned out to be an instant classic, and arguably the best performance of Max Holloway’s career. It may have earned Calvin Kattar some fans as well, as he showed a tremendous chin, and incredible heart, just staying in the fight.
So there was zero surprise when Holloway vs. Kattar was named as Fight of the Night following the event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The five round war saw Holloway throw the most strikes in UFC history, upward of 700, landing a solid number as well. He showboated, trash talked, and chirped at the commentary team mid-fight. En route to a one-sided decision on paper, despite Kattar staying dangerous right up to the final round, as hurt as he was.
The $50,000 Fight of the Night award was well deserved.
The UFC Fight Island 7 Performance of the Night bonuses, meanwhile, went to Alessio Di Chirico and and Li Jingliang. Di Chirico shocked everyone, none more so than opponent Joaquin Buckley, by pulling off a huge upset with a head kick knockout of “New Mansa.” Jingliang, meanwhile, spoiled the return of Argentina’s Santiago Ponzinibbio after two years. Jingliang finished the fight via knockout late in the opening round.
All four fighters pick up $50,000 U.S. for their efforts.
