ABU DHABI– Max Holloway has heard the rumblings since he revealed the limits put on his training ahead of UFC 251.
But does Volkanovski, as numerous recommended following their December battle, simply have Holloways number? The previous champ certainly does not think it, and he thinks even with a pandemic-impacted training school under his belt, hes more than prepared to reclaim his crown.
In lots of methods, Holloway is absolutely. Despite being just 28, his legacy is currently safe and secure, and he remains amongst the most popular and precious figured in the UFC. But the happy Hawaiian certainly hasnt lost his one-upmanship, and he clearly wants to reign atop the UFCs featherweight department when again.
” I know Im a champ. I bring myself as a champion, belt or no belt. Individuals see my as a champ, so Im going to go out there, battle my battle, have the battle of my life, and have enjoyable.”
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Volkanovksi brings an unbelievable 18-fight winning streak into the contest and is undefeated through his first 8 UFC appearances. Holloway said he certainly discovered plenty in his previous 25 minutes in the cage with Volkanovski but isnt presuming anything in the rematch.
Its a rematch of the sets meeting this past December, which Volkanovski won by consentaneous choice, eliminating Holloways featherweight title at the same time. Holloway still thinks he did enough to win that night but refuses to make any excuses or complain about the outcome.
” When (Saturday) comes, I get to prove that Im one of the best people on the planet still, and I simply cant wait. This time, Im entering there and do my thing, and ideally we will not require the judges.”
Holloway firmly insists theres no additional pressure in getting his belt back, no duty to prove anything that may have entered into doubt with his December setback. With 8 years in the UFC and a performance history that numerous think certifies him as the best featherweight of all-time, Holloway isnt attaching any included significance to the battle aside from recovering his title.
He likewise understands not to put excessive stock into anything “The Great” states ahead of the contest.
” I know everybodys blowing their mind, tripping out,” Holloway informed MMA Junkie. “Ive been fighting my whole life. Ive been battling since I was 16. Thats a long time. I did a great deal of sparring because time. In the start of my career, all I really did was spar. This is another fight, at the end of the day.”
At the end of the day, I dont understand what hes going to do. I cant truly take what he says too serious.
” Blessed” freely confessed to ESPN that he didnt take part in any sparring throughout his preparation for this weekends occasion, which he didnt even deal with his coaches face to face– choices he made to safeguard everybodys health and wellness throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
” Ive been in the cage with this person prior to; I understand what he brings to the table,” Holloway said. Going out there, this battle, I got to actually focus on me, focus on my body, focus on recovery, and I feel fantastic, male.
I ensure you people are going to get to see it come (Saturday). Ill be waiting, and its going to be a program, I promise.”
” Go enjoy this mans interviews; the persons got a chip on his shoulder,” Holloway stated. “Hes talking like hes mad. Individuals are still treating me like Im the champ, you know? Ive got 5 belts– five titles at house in my closet. This due can head out there and beat me two times. Im still going to have five titles in my closet. You cant take that far from me. Its simply another fight to me.
” Last time, prior to the battle, he stated he was going to take me down and TKO me, and we all know that didnt take place, so Im simply all set for the finest variation of him. I cant wait to head out there and do my thing.”
” I know everybodys blowing their mind, tripping out,” Holloway informed MMA Junkie.” Never leave a battle to the judges; theyll make you sob,” Holloway stated.” Go watch this guys interviews; the persons got a chip on his shoulder,” Holloway said. In many ways, Holloway is definitely.” Ive been in the cage with this man prior to; I know what he brings to the table,” Holloway stated.
However Holloway wishes to make one thing clear: If you believe thats a problem, thing once again.
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” Never leave a fight to the judges; theyll make you weep,” Holloway said. “No reasons. I believed I did enough, however obviously it wasnt. Theres 3 men decisions that matter. They all went the other method.
Holloway (21-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC) deals with Alexander Volkanovski (21-1 MMA, 8-0 UFC) at UFC 251, which happens Saturday at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The primary card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
