Alex Volkanovski has ended his rivalry with Max Holloway in decisive fashion, retaining his featherweight title in the co-main event of UFC 276.
In one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year, it would be the Australian who proved to be far too strong, earning himself a dominant unanimous decision win and leaving the challenger bloodied.
All three judges scored the contest 50-45 inside a packed T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Holloway entered the ring to the world's most popular song right now - Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush - before the champion strutted out to the ring full of confidence to Aussie classic, Down Under.
In an exciting first round, Volkanovski landed the weight of heavy shots, but the challenger did come back late with a flurry of good counter-shots.
The champ looked the faster of the two fighters in the opening round, not allowing Holloway to get too close.
Volkanovski got a hold of Holloway mid-way through the second round, before landing a sharp elbow up against the cage. Moments later, Volkanovski landed a brilliant right hand that split his opponent on the eyebrow line.
The Aussie star remained defensively strong through the third round, evading a number of punches and countering well to open the cut of Holloway straight back up, who continued to struggle with the pace of Volkanovski.
Holloway received more treatment for the nasty cut above his eye in between rounds, before being pummelled in the clinch with some nice shots from Volkanovski. The fourth round was likely the best for Holloway overall, but it was still the champion dominating.
Needing a stoppage in the final round, Holloway was unable to create any great pressure and Volkanovski wore down the clock in perfect fashion, even landing a few more heavy blows to add insult to injury.
Volkanovski has now won 23 consecutive fights, continuing to establish himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.