LONDON – Arnold Allen says he doesn’t need to watch tape on Max Holloway because he knows exactly what’s coming.
Allen (19-1 MMA, 10-0 UFC) meets former featherweight champion Holloway (23-7 MMA, 19-7 UFC) in the UFC on ESPN 44 headliner on April 15 in Kansas City, Mo.
Holloway is known for the record-breaking output that he puts on his opponents, and Allen says he’ll be ready for it.
“He’s going to throw about a million punches, kicks, knees and elbows,” Allen said backstage at UFC 286. “He’s going to try and take my head off. He’s going to keep peppering me like I’m a German sausage or something, and I know what he’s going to do.
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a very dangerous guy who’s beat a lot of top contenders, and he’s beaten them very well. He’s been world champion. He’s been pound-for-pound No. 1. He’s stepped up to lightweight and had wars with people like Dustin Poirier. So I’m very excited for the opportunity to challenge someone like that and show what I’m able to do.”
As much volume as Holloway throws, he also absorbs a large amount of strikes. But Allen doesn’t expect that to have an impact on his game plan.
“Mentally, I don’t think it’s affected him at all,” Allen said. “I think he’s fine. He’s going to keep coming with the same game plan. He’s not going to be deterred, and he’s going to do the same thing. He’s going to throw five – maybe you land four or whatever. He’s going to be happy with that. It’s science. It happens. It’s going to catch up to you. We’ve seen it with a lot of the athletes over the years. But he’s tough as nails, and I don’t think it’s going to change anything he does.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 286.
