Max Holloway is not known for being a negative person, but with the possibility of a third bout against Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 276, Holloway was vocal. This came just days before the end of the three-fight series.
Back in front of a raucous crowd in Las Vegas, which he’s long dubbed as “the ninth island” of Hawaii, Holloway wasted no time taking what has been a respectful rivalry and adding at least a small dose of animosity with Volkanovski ahead of their trilogy.
“Man, you guys are going to find out Saturday night,” Holloway said about the fight at the press conference. “Talking about three, this guy is talking about a three-peat or something — this guy don’t even got three highlights in the UFC.”
Even Volkanovski was taken back by that comment, as the crowd roared in approval and the usually reserved UFC featherweight champion cracked a smile in response.
“Max came to play,” Volkanovski responded. It’s my favorite .”
As it stands, Volkanovski has a 2-0 lead in the series, although the rematch was considered a controversial decision after five hard-fought rounds, with many believing Holloway deserved the nod.
Since that second fight, Holloway has picked up back-to-back wins over Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez to put himself back in position to compete for the title yet again.
One narrative that has been picked up in recent days leading to UFC 276 has been Holloway’s durability, considering he’s absorbed over 1,800 strikes during his octagon career. While he’s never actually been knocked down in any fight to this point, Holloway has endured a lot of damage, but he still seems unbothered by Volkanovski’s ability to actually hurt him even if they start trading bombs on Saturday.
” All week I heard you talking about damage. Holloway stated. Holloway said, “We are talking about damage. You guys all, do damage to this and damage to that. You guys, take damage. He’s not.
Much like his opponent, Volkanovski rarely finds a place to speak negatively about anybody, but that comment forced him to fire back in kind.
“Mate, we’re going to see Saturday night, right?” Volkanovski responded. It’s all beautiful. You can’t fight anymore because your head is too .”
punched.
While the exchanges never turned nasty, Volkanovski and Holloway were then given the chance to explain what they respected most about the other — and even that elicited some interesting comments.
Volkanovski actually thanked Holloway because he did exactly what was required to return to the third fight, despite losing two previous decisions.
“I’m going to be straight up: He’s getting another chance because he was being stubborn and made sure no one else got that No. 1 spot. So he gets his shot,” Volkanovski said. He did everything I would have done if I were in his position.
“So he’s going to have my respect for that, but that’s it. It’s just a third chance and he ain’t going to get it.”
Holloway managed to pay Volkanovski a compliment as well, although probably not the one the Australian was expecting.
“The only thing I respect about him is his cooking show,” Holloway shot back.
The barbs from Holloway didn’t seem to get under Volkanovski’s skin, even if he did seem somewhat surprised by the trash talk coming from his opponent.
He seemed to enjoy the chorus of jeers from the pro-Holloway crowd that was largely there for the Hawaiian fighters before the fight.
” Hey, it’s great,” Volkanovski stated. “You can use them as much as you want. Saturday night, it ends for you. That’s it. … 2-0, baby. Remember that, 2-0 — 2-0, about to be 3-0.”
With deafening crowd noise drowning out Volkanovski on the microphone, Holloway took the chance to soak in the adoration from the Las Vegas faithful.
” I can’t hear your voice,” Holloway shouted. Holloway shouted, “Let him get it, ninth Island. Let him get it .”
If Volkanovski succeeds in the trilogy it is likely that he will put Holloway behind for good. It’s difficult to see a fourth fight happening in the series if he moves up 3-0.
Volkanovski already indicated that his goals for the future include moving up in weight to fight for another UFC title. He hopes to eventually be a champion-champ, and can defend both of them simultaneously.
” I’m certain [jumping up] to this division,” Volkanovski stated. I want two belts. There are goals. It’s a habit of mine to work hard, and I want to take on new challenges. I’ve got a challenge Saturday, but I’m going pass it again, do work, and that’s it. Then I will call for the double champ status .”
Holloway obviously has plans to stop him as he seeks to become a two-time UFC featherweight champion, although it seems avenging his past losses to Volkanovski might mean even more to him.
” We’ll find out,” Holloway replied. “We’re going to find out Saturday night.”
Shaun Al-Shatti was a contributor to this report.
