Main Event Recap for UFC 240: Edgar vs Holloway

Frankie Edgar challenged the UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway in the UFC 240 Main event. For those who did not follow the build up to this fight, it was thought to be a pretty even match up. Both fighters boasted impressive resumes.

The fight in round one started tentatively ,with Frankie Edgar trying to get inside with feints, but finding little success in that. Max Holloway, used his height and reach really well, not allowing Edgar to close distance. Holloway used a wide stance and tended to take a step or two backwards, while striking in order to render Edgar’s feint ineffective. Edgar used leg kicks a few times as a response.

In my opinion, Edgar proved to be the better boxer in the first round, his idea of throwing punches to the body and finishing the combination with a strong right hand to the head was proving effective ,until it was countered by Holloway, using uppercuts. Only one takedown attempt was made in the start of the fight by Edgar, but Holloway defended well against it, by going up against the cage.

In round two, Edgar walked right into Holloway’s jab, resulting in first blood. In my opinion, First blood matters a lot in a high profile fight, it gives the match a direction and if the person who is on top can capitalize on this, they can go on and win the match pretty easy, it is more of an encouragement to keep fighting the way they are. As for the person who got cut , it calls for a change in strategy and the person needs some amount of mental strength to recollect themselves and keep moving forward. In round 3, Edgar tried to up his game, but this gave Holloway more openings thus resulting in Holloway winning the round on the scorecards.

Round 4 and 5 were more of the same, the pace of the fight did not slow down. I have to say the way Holloway stuck to his game plan, and kept his defense rock solid against the take downs, attempted by Edgar who is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was commendable. I would say that Edgar did well on his comeback and I still believe that he can win titles if he continues on his path.

Although well fought, Edgar’s face did let viewers know that the decision was always going to be in on the side of Holloway.

-Mihir Joshi

Roberto Villa

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.