Alexander Volkanovski saved his best for last as he dominated Max Holloway in their trilogy fight to bring a conclusive end to their enthralling rivalry.
The featherweight champion retained his belt at UFC 276 with a comprehensive points victory in the third defence of the belt he won from Holloway in their first clash. The challenger struggled with Volkanovski's speed from the opening round and was unable to stamp his authority on the co-main event.
Volkanovski was never in trouble over the five rounds and was awarded every session by all three judges in Las Vegas. "Max Holloway is an absolute beast, that intensity he brought, that we've both had, I needed it. I knew I was the best I just wanted to remind myself," said the champion.
"I just proved to you that I want to be in this octagon as much as possible. I want to be busy and I don't think this division can keep me busy. I want to move up and be double-champ and if I get both belts, I'll keep both divisions busy."
Volkanovski had won the rivals' two previous meetings in 2019 and 2020 before going on to make further title defences against Brian Ortega and 'The Korean Zombie'. Holloway, meanwhile, earned another shot at the champion by outpointing first Calvin Kattar and then Yair Rodriguez in Fight of the Night winners.
Holloway was on the front foot from the opening bell with Volkanovski content to rely on feints in the early stages. But the champion began to find a home for his right hand as the session progressed as his superior speed handed him the advantage. Volkanovski was so comfortable he taunted Holloway, telling him he was "too fast, baby".
The challenger's pressure continued into the second round but he continued to struggle with Volkanovski's speed. The champion buckled Holloway's legs with a right hand midway through the period and left Holloway badly cut above his left eye.
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Volkanovski could hardly miss with his jab at the beginning of the third round as he looked to build on his early momentum. The challenger answered back with the same shot but continued to play second fiddle as his cut reopened.
Holloway opened the penultimate round on the front foot and landed two kicks to the champion's body. The challenger was enjoying his best spell to date but a combination of Volkanovski's timing and his own cut eye continued to cause him trouble.
Volkanovski refused to let up as the fight entered the fifth and final round with his ram-rod jab continually knocking Holloway off his stride as he cruised to his 22nd consecutive win in MMA and his 12th in the UFC.
