LAS VEGAS – Alexander Volkanovski firmly believes Max Holloway’s durability has an expiration date.
The UFC featherweight champion respects Holloway’s historic chin and ability to withstand damage, but wants to put it through a test once again on Saturday night. The two meet in the co-main event of UFC 276. It’s a trilogy bout that’s so far 2-0 in favor of the champion, with both fights being close decisions.
Volkanovski (24-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) wants to notch a third win over Holloway (23-6 MMA, 19-6 UFC), and if possible, be the first to stop the Hawaiian with strikes.
“That would be incredible,” Holloway said. “It’s a legendary chin that he has. I’ve always said, ‘You don’t want to be known for your granite chin,’ but at the same time, it is legendary at the moment.
“And if I could take that chin and put him out, that would really be sending a statement because no one has done that. But again, he obviously takes damage, and I’ve touched on the fact that it can’t hold up forever, so let’s see if it holds up this time.”
Holloway has never been even knocked down in any of his 25 UFC fights. Volkanovski is sure that at some point, Holloway’s ability to take a hit will have to diminish. Volkanovski is hoping to put away Holloway before the championship rounds.
“I want to end it and end it early, and I think I definitely can,” Volkanovski said. “And again, I feel like that chin has to go soon. That’s no disrespect to him, but it’s got to go soon. I know I’m landing on it and landed on it big many times. We’ll see what happens. But if it ends inside the three, that’s me getting the finish.”
