Any time Max Holloway (23-7, 19-7 UFC) enters the Octagon, it’s a certified banger — and his upcoming bout vs Arnold Allen (19-1, 10-0 UFC) promises to be no exception.
The five-round bout between two featherweight contenders takes place April 15 at UFC Kansas City. Prelim bouts begin at 5:30 p.m. ET and the main card starts at 9:30 p.m. Holloway is the favorite at -188.
UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs Allen Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Max Holloway | -188 |
| Arnold Allen | +162 |
Odds as of April 14
Holloway’s -188 status implies a 65.28 percent chance to win and a $10 bet on him pays out $15.32. Allen’s +162 odds give him an implied 38.17 percent chance and a $10 bet pays out $26.20.
Holloway vs Allen Preview: Who Will Win?
MMA fans have been dying for this fight to happen. The winner likely slots himself in for the next title fight after Alex Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez unify the belt at UFC 290.
How Holloway Wins
“Blessed” is the king of volume — he also considers himself the best boxer in the UFC. Allen and Holloway are both dangerous strikers, but the Hawaiian’s offensive onslaught will be his key to victory Saturday.
Will Max Holloway’s volume prove to be too much for Arnold Allen this weekend?🤔#UFCKansasCity #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/4z14ZCpDWZ
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 11, 2023
Allen and Holloway are both savages who will throw down in the center, meaning significant strikes will decide the winner after what I believe will be a 25-minute fight. Holloway’s combos will be fast, silky smooth and likely more creative than whatever Allen counters with.
The 31-year-old could swarm Allen and take the W, although there’s a small part of me that’s concerned about Max’s health. He’s a future UFC Hall of Famer, but the damage he’s absorbed in his young MMA career is bound to catch up to him. He’s only human. Think Tony Ferguson and how quickly he fell off. I’m not saying Holloway is there yet, but another loss or two could tilt his career in the wrong direction.
How Allen Wins
Allen and Holloway are similar fighters, but the Englishman sets himself apart with his explosiveness. “Almighty” is best described as vicious, capable of entering a supersonic mode where he cocks back his combos and unloads like a jackhammer. If Holloway gets caught in one of those barrages, he’s in serious danger.
Every opponent must respect Allen’s power, but at the same time, a veteran like Holloway might be able to exploit him. There’s definitely a window to counter during Allen’s whirlwind of strikes, and if Max sticks and moves enough, Allen might not find much offense.
Holloway vs Allen Pick
Like Chito Vera vs Cory Sandhagen a few weeks ago, this fight will be a five-round war, albeit one I think Holloway wins. His value at -188 is hard to deny, and I don’t think Blessed is ready to accept life as a gatekeeper. He still has a title run in him and a win over Allen will keep him relevant.
In terms of rounds betting, this one will go the distance — and that’s why I like Holloway. As I said, that experience will loom large. Allen will fight for a title soon; he’s just not ready yet.
