UFC 297 Highlights: Movsar Evloev Dominates Arnold Allen, Controversy Surrounds Illegal Knees

The grappling-proficient Movsar Evloev defeated Arnold Allen by unanimous decision at UFC 297. In the main card featherweight bout at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, judges scored 29-28 for Evloev.

Photo from MMA Fighting

Evloev Triumphs Despite Controversy – Title Shot in Doubt?

The decision came after a tough fight with both combatants showing damage. Evloev’s combination in Round 2 swelled Allen’s left eye after a tight opening round. Allen recovered well over the vacation despite the challenges.

Allen pressured Evloev in Round 3, neutralizing his wrestling attempts and showing defensive skills. Allen’s choking attempt resulted in a knee sequence. The knees were unlawful; therefore, referee Marc Goddard called a timeout. Evloev continued despite evident damage, and Allen was warned.

After the disputed sequence, Allen kept pressing but couldn’t complete it. In the post-fight interview, Evloev doubted he would get a title chance against the UFC 298 main event winner between Alexander Volkanovski and Illia Top Evloev defeated Diego Lopes and Dan Ige in his undefeated career.

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Allen Faces Second Loss

Allen lost his second straight after losing a close decision to Max Holloway in April. Allen showed resilience and defensive skills against Evloev’s grappling despite the loss.

Garrett Armfield’s unanimous decision win over Brad Katona, Sean Woodson’s split decision win over Charles Jourdain, and Gillian Robertson’s second-round TKO over Polyana Viana with strikes were other UFC 297 results. Also, Sam Patterson, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Jimmy Flick won via submission.

UFC 297’s tough battles set the scene for future featherweight title fights.

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