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

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

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

There was a lot of mutual respect between the couple and Holloway was full of praise afterwards.

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

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

Allen went out of his way and would have knocked out many fighters with the blows he landed

“He’s a great guy, fat guy, like a bodybuilder and upper body like a tank.” It was quite confusing.’

The Hawaiian further denied that he was annoyed by those who wrote him off, saying his career is on the line.

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

“I just laugh when people doubt me, I come from this sport and there is a lot of gossip.

“I thought he would come after me a little earlier. He didn’t quite get out, told my corner not to get lazy.

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

The Hawaiian began throwing more creative strokes later in the five-round match