UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski expressed his views on recent statements made by his opponent Max Holloway ahead of UFC 251. The two elite 145-pounders will face-off in a highly anticipated rematch taking place at Yas Fight Island. Both fighters have been more outspoken than their last outing when speaking to the media via MMA Fighting.
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Alexander Volkanovski on Max Holloway
Alexander ‘The Great’ took exception to certain sentiments expressed by the former champion. Through a media scrum, the former rugby player aired his disappointment at Holloway’s pre-fight remarks.
“I don’t know where he’s going with this, he’s been saying some pretty crazy things. He’s not really been himself, I believe. If you watch the whole fight and listen to the commentators the whole fight, they’re talking about how all my punches are power punches. Am I going to be able to keep it up because I’m putting everything into my shots?”
Primarily, the undisputed champion has seemingly taken exception at comments surrounding his strategy going into the first outing. It seems as though Volkanovski goes into his first title defense with added motivation to silence his detractors.
UFC 251 heats up
“The funny thing about what he’s saying is he’s known for his volume striking punches, he’s known for his piter-pater. Known to just work people out early then put the volume punches in, he’s never been a power puncher and I just don’t know where he’s going with that.”
Holloway has thrown out several comments in recent interviews that have raised eyebrows. Most notably, he’s revealed that he prepared for his title rematch over Zoom calls exclusively. Multiple media outlets have vehemently debated the viability of such a claim.
Alexander Volkanovski further stated,
“He’s got all these weird narratives, so many different directions that just sound a little crazy at the moment. I don’t know if he’s playing the game and just trying to get people to believe the sh** he’s saying, I don’t know what it is. Again I’m not letting it get to me, it seems like it’s getting to him.
“It seems like he’s salty and he’s being a bit of a sore loser but I guess losing is tough.”
The co-headlining feature at Yas Fight Island has begun heating up as both competitors look to cement a legacy. The 21-1 Volkanovski has admitted to having a larger chip on his shoulder following recent comments by ‘Blessed’ Holloway.
