Tuivasa was marked on his face in the first round and blood streamed from his nose in the third as Arlovski also landed some good strikes.
All three judges scored the fight 29-28 to the Australian.
"I'm pretty happy with that performance," Tuivasa said.
"Obviously I was coming out for the knockout but sometimes it doesn't happen, especially against a tough opponent like that."
He celebrated by drinking beer from a shoe.
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There were no celebrations for Anderson, as the more experienced Holm dictated terms for most of the bout against the taller and bigger-bodied Australian.
Each woman landed a strong kick to the head in the first round, which featured a lot of close quarter work from both fighters.
Holm dominated the second round, landing numerous strikes after taking Anderson to the ground.
Anderson snapped Holm's head back and sent her backwards with a strong straight right in the opening seconds of the third, but wasn't able to capitalise.
Holm quickly regained control, again taking Anderson to the ground and pounding her with numerous blows.
Two judges gave Holm the fight 30-26 and their colleague scored it 30-27.
AAP
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