Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC 276, we are going to see the third installment of a title fight between two of the best of all time. Champion Alexander Volkanovski (24-1) will defend his featherweight title against Max Holloway (23-6).
Entering UFC 245 in December of 2019, Max Holloway was looked at as an unbeatable champion. However, nobody told that to Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski went into Las Vegas and shocked the world by defeating Holloway by decision.
They had an immediate rematch at UFC 251 on Fight Island. This second fight was much closer. Fans and judges were split on the outcome. I personally scored the fight for Max Holloway. However, two judges gave the fight to Volkanovski and he retained the title.
Since then, Holloway has had two huge wins against Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez to earn himself another shot. Meanwhile, the UFC champion has demolished Bryan Ortega and Chan Sung Jung. Make no mistake about it, these are the two best and tomorrow they fight for a third time.
UFC 276 Prediction
I have to be completely honest, this is a fight that I’ve been torn on for some time. I had Holloway winning at UFC 251 and after what I saw in his Calvin Kattar performance, I figured it was not a matter of if but when in terms of him becoming champion again.
However, then I saw Volkanovski defend against Ortega and The Korean Zombie. The champion continues to get better and better. Holloway on the other hand looked the best he’s ever looked against Kattar, but took a slight step back against Yair Rodriguez.
Yesterday at the UFC 276 pre-fight press conference, we saw a fired up Holloway. He’s wanting to get this one back, but I’m not sure he’ll have the juice inside the octagon. A few things are really going to play for Volkanovski tomorrow night.
Leg kicks, grappling, and speed. These are all things that I think really favor the champion. Holloway is sensational from range and his boxing skills are incredible. However, Volkanovski continues to looker sharper, more powerful, and faster.
Holloway takes a lot of damage and he’s fairly easy to hit for someone with such great strikings skills. He’s taking a lot of damage and despite being three years younger, to me, he’s older in the fight game. That also might play a role at UFC 276.
I really think that Volkanovski is going to win again tomorrow night. It’s hard to imagine a guy going 3-0 in such a close trilogy, but I really think he’s going to do it. His speed, power, and ability to mix in grappling will be just enough to win a decision.
Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski by Decision