Alexander Volkanovski has thrown his support behind Max Holloway ahead of his upcoming fight with Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.
Oliveira has made it clear he is ready to meet Holloway on any terms, promising fans a show when the two square off in Las Vegas.
His aggressive style, which has made him a fan favourite, also led fighters like Robert Whittaker to raise some questions about how that approach will hold up in this match-up.
Volkanovski thinks those same tendencies could end up working against ‘Do Bronx’, giving Holloway an edge on March 7.
Alexander Volkanovski expects Max Holloway to finish Charles Oliveira at UFC 326
Volkanovski has backed ‘Blessed’ to get the job done against Oliveira, saying on his YouTube channel that he sees a finish coming in their upcoming rematch.
‘The Great’ pointed out several areas where Holloway has an edge, especially his knack for wearing opponents down and capitalising when their cardio fades.
He also feels that Oliveira’s habit of sticking to a familiar game plan will allow the 34-year-old American to take more chances and land shots the challenger does not anticipate.
“He’ll do that straight away and he’ll execute it straight away.
“I think he can do that with someone like Charles. Charles is going to pretty much do what he always does so Max Holloway will be able to, as he’s coming forward and getting angles, maybe jab him, pretend to move out, knowing that Charles is going to want to get right back in front of him again, make him pay,” he said.
Volkanovski also noted a clear difference between himself and Holloway.
While he tends to be more calculated in weighing risks against rewards, the BMF champion’s willingness to try new things keeps his opponents guessing.
He explained: “Max Holloway is happy to try that s— out straight away and you’ve got to credit him for it because that’s why he’s a BMF. He will take risks, especially when he knows, ‘I’ve got this.’”
Recapping the result of the first Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira fight
Holloway was handed a 99-second win in his 2015 clash against Charles Oliveira, which was also his first main event.
Oliveira’s coach later said the stoppage came after ‘Do Bronx’ told the referee he could not continue due to an injury, though it was unclear what exactly happened.
The way that loss unfolded added to a growing narrative at the time, questioning Oliveira’s durability and mental toughness.
He responded by proving doubters wrong, putting together a strong run of lightweight wins that eventually led to him becoming champion in 2021.
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