Alexander Volkanovski is siding with Max Holloway ahead of Holloway’s welterweight main event against Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Holloway meets McGregor in a rematch years after their first fight in 2013, which McGregor won. This time, McGregor steps back into the cage following a five-year layoff.
Volkanovski pointed to how Holloway has evolved, saying, "Each fight through my fights with Max, you started to see a lot more footwork, a lot more kicks involved, spin kicks, was able to jab, fight at a great range, create good angles, and just piece him up on the outside," and added, "This is the type of style that he's going to need for someone like Conor – a good long range, not fall for the traps."
The former champion believes Holloway can manage McGregor’s power early and take over as the fight wears on. "I'm going to have to go Max Holloway for the win," Volkanovski said. "Can it be a finish? One hundred percent. If Max gets you tired, he's so good at going in for the kill. ... I think it's just going to be too much for Conor, and you're going to just see Max get his hand raised, maybe get a finish."
Volkanovski even floated a possible submission outcome if McGregor fades late, saying there could be "good, good coin for a submission over a TKO" if Holloway forces McGregor to "melt" and give up grappling openings.
