Volkanovski edges out Holloway to capture title at UFC 245

Alexander Volkanovski defeated Max Holloway via unanimous decision to become the new UFC featherweight champion in the co-main event Saturday in Las Vegas.

The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 50-45 in favor of Volkanovski.

The Australian, known for his strength on the ground, didn't have to rely on his grappling abilities to dethrone "Blessed." Volkanovski outpointed Holloway in the striking department, landing more often and with more power.

While Holloway pressed forward throughout the competitive five-round contest, Volkanovski's accuracy sealed the deal.

Volkanovski, who earned the title shot with a win over former champion Jose Aldo in May, has now won 18 fights in a row. He's 8-0 in the Octagon.

Holloway has lost two of his last three outings, but this was the Hawaiian's first defeat at 145 pounds since 2013 when he lost to Conor McGregor. Holloway, who won the featherweight belt in June 2017, fell to Dustin Poirier in an interim lightweight title bout earlier this year.

Holloway successfully defended the featherweight title three times against Aldo, Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar before losing it Saturday night.