Arnold Allen releases statement following UFC Kansas City loss to Max Holloway

Here's what Arnold Allen had to say after suffering his first UFC defeat to Max Holloway.

Arnold Allen's momentum has been temporarily halted as Max Holloway bested him by unanimous decision at UFC Kansas City.

Allen put on a solid performance, grabbing two rounds on judge Travis Buesking's scorecard. However, the relentless pressure and seemingly uncrackable chin of Holloway prevailed. Allen was outstruck in each round, which led to Holloway landing 147 significant strikes to Allen's 76.

Allen handled the immediate aftermath with poise, and his recent Instagram post confirmed his grace in defeat. He made no excuses for his loss, instead showing gratitude for the opportunity and ensuing support.

"An honour to share the cage with a legend in @blessedmma I just wasn't good enough tonight," Allen said. "Thanks for the support."

Holloway reciprocated the respect, commenting "Honor was all mines brother! Thank you" on the post.

While the initial step up in competition did not go the way Allen had hoped, it doesn't get much more challenging than Holloway. Going five rounds with an MMA legend will surely benefit Allen going forward as he looks to rebound.

Holloway, on the other hand, has now raised a plethora of questions regarding his next move. His defeat of Allen was quite comfortable, and it all but confirms that Alexander Volkanovski is the only featherweight fighter on Holloway's level. The possibility of a fourth fight can certainly not be ruled out.

There is no shame in Allen's defeat. At 29, he has plenty of time to come back stronger, and his ability to admit that he wasn't good enough to get the job done against Holloway is a sign that he'll do just that.