Alexander Volkanovski of Australia punches Max Holloway in their UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Ahead of the much anticipated UFC 276 PPV, we take an in-depth look at the co-main event – Volkanovski vs Holloway 3, paths to victory, preview and prediction
The UFC returns with a stacked pay-per-view card for the International Fight Week, when UFC 276 goes down on 2nd July at T-Mobile Arena. The card features two title fights at the top of the card, with a total of 12 fights.
It was being discussed after UFC 273, and even confirmed by the champion Alexander Volkanovski himself that he’s looking at a move up in weight class owing to lack of competition at featherweight. But looks like the UFC has reminded the Volk about his unfinished business at 145 lbs. The pair was supposed to meet for the third time at UFC 272 in March, but Holloway pulled out after aggravating a previous injury The Korean Zombie stepped in as a replacement, and Volkanovski absolutely dismantled him.
Although Volkanovski beat Max Holloway on both occasion when they last fought, there are still some doubts in the minds of many people, who believe that Holloway won both the fights. The trilogy fight will determine once and for all the featherweight GOAT, since both fighters are at the top of this conversation.
Volkanpvski won both fights against Holloway by maintaining his composure, and following a systematic path to victory. Unlike others who faced the Hawaiian, Volkanovski fought at his own pace, without falling into any of Max’s trap. Whenever Holloway tried to push the pace, he would establish distance with solid kicks, and circled Holloway. In all likelihood, the fight is going to play out similar to the first two event, and Volkanovski has an edge in that case.
Alexander Volkanovski is the kind of fighter that is every coach’s delight to train. He follows a methodical and systemized approach to victory, without deviating from the game plan. His lateral movement although not the most elusive looking, is still one of the most efficient in the game today. He needs to follow the same path to victory that he utilized in his previous two fights, and fight at his desired pace.
Holloway on the other hand can opt for a Mexican stance, and walk through two punches to land one. He has to ensure that he checks the leg kicks, and forces his pace on the Australian. Volkanovski’s movements can stagnate opponents, something that Holloway has to be mindful of.
ODDS- Per Vegas Insider, Volkanovski is the -188 favorite while Holloway is the +162 underdog.
Our Prediction – Alexander Volkanovski beats Max Holloway via unanimous or majority decision
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