‘Blessed’ be fruit
Holloway focused on fourth crack at Alex the Great
Max Holloway says he could step up to lightweight “tomorrow” if he wants to, but ‘Blessed’ has his eyes firmly set on a fourth shot at Australia’s featherweight world champion Alexander Volkanovski.
As Holloway prepares to step into the octagon for the first time since his July 2022 title defeat to Volkanovski, the 31-year-old revealed he drew inspiration from Israel Adesanya’s stirring victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287.
Just as Adesanya overcame his conqueror to retake the middleweight belt, Holloway has machinations to make his way back to the summit and that means knocking off the pound-for-pound best in the world, Volkanovski.
“Me and my management were talking – we talked before this fight – and I think if they thought we couldn’t make an Alex Four, they would have probably pressed us hard and said look, you should go to 155 (lbs),” Holloway said.
“I’m still here, bro. I’m right here, right in front of him. People keep giving me a hard time, ‘How are we going to do the fourth (fight)?’ and blah blah,” he added.
“Watching Izzy last week was pretty inspiring. This is MMA … anything can happen. I put a statement out there and who’s to say what happens (in the future).
“I’m not a matchmaker, but who’s to say? I’m right here, I’ve been here and if that’s the next (fight) then that’s the next one.
“First thing’s first, I’ve got Arnold Allen. He deserves my full focus. He’s a dangerous guy all around and I’m excited for the challenge.”
Holloway meets unbeaten Allen (10-0) in the octagon at UFC Fight Night on Sunday morning.
‘Almighty’ cut a swath through the lightweight division and has his eyes now set on the former world champion, with his own would-be title shot in sight.
Some claim Holloway is past his prime – too old. It’s a jab the Hawaiian says is uncalled for.
“I think he’s an animal, man. You have to be 10-0 for a reason,” Holloway said of Allen. “I’ve been that hungry guy, 10-0, and I’m hearing a lot of talk saying I’m old and stuff – I think I’m only two years older than him.
“He has a lot of questions, I have a lot of questions; we all get answers come April (16). Make a statement. I have that in my mind.
“I guess I’ve got a little Roy Jones in me now. Hearing the critics, hearing the media, all the social media people talking – I just can’t wait to go out there and show it.
“A lot of people keep asking me what’s my motivation for this fight and it’s crazy to me. If being a champion wasn’t my motivation, being the greatest wasn’t my motivation, why would I take this fight?”