Following a stellar performance at UFC 318, where he definitively overcame Dustin Poirier to retain his `BMF` title, Max Holloway has ignited a vigorous debate regarding his next career move. Stepping into this discussion, former featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski, a man intimately familiar with Holloway`s capabilities, has offered a compelling analysis, asserting that “Blessed” has earned a crack at the lightweight championship. However, Volkanovski`s endorsement comes with a technical caveat that highlights a subtle yet critical shift in Holloway`s formidable defensive arsenal.
The Undeniable Case for a Lightweight Title Bid
Volkanovski, known for his methodical approach to fight analysis, sees a clear path for Holloway to challenge Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title. His reasoning is rooted in Holloway`s recent record within the 155-pound division, which, though brief, is exceptionally potent.
“You`ve got to think of who Max beat at lightweight. You`ve gotta go off the lightweight fights. Max beat Justin Gaethje, who I think is the No. 1 contender, and Poirier, who just fought for the title. So he literally beat the two top guys, the two main guys that you usually need to beat to get the title shot. That`s his only fights in lightweight — his streak right now — and it`s against the two top guys. You`d say he`s next. You would think so.”
This assessment is difficult to dispute. To dispatch two of the division`s most dangerous and highly-ranked contenders back-to-back, particularly in such emphatic fashion as Holloway did against Gaethje and Poirier, traditionally bypasses any queue. Holloway’s willingness to embrace the `BMF` narrative by facing the division`s most celebrated power-punchers has, ironically, propelled him into the prime position for a legitimate title shot. It’s almost as if daring to be `the best` in a non-title fight makes one the best contender for the actual title.
Holloway`s Unyielding Resilience: A Boxer`s Heart
Beyond the wins and losses, Volkanovski paid significant tribute to Holloway`s mental fortitude and uncanny ability to rebound from adversity. He noted Holloway`s history of overcoming major defeats, including their own third encounter, which many thought would signify a downturn for “Blessed.”
“He’s showed, time and time again, from big losses — not just little losses, world title losses, off tears… For him to bounce back like he did and go on another tear, and then have his moment with Justin Gaethje, already incredible.”
This resilience is a hallmark of Holloway`s career. His ability to absorb punishment, adapt mid-fight, and ultimately triumph has earned him a legendary status. The victory over Poirier, a rematch from an earlier featherweight bout where Poirier had the upper hand, further cemented Holloway`s narrative of continuous improvement and revenge. He embodies the spirit of a true fighter, one who not only competes but evolves, refusing to let past setbacks define his future.
The Unexpected Vulnerability: A Chin Under Scrutiny?
However, amidst the praise and rightful calls for a title shot, Volkanovski introduced a layer of tactical concern. He observed that Holloway has been dropped in his last three consecutive bouts, including the knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at featherweight. While Holloway`s legendary chin has allowed him to recover from these instances, Volkanovski questions if its absolute impermeability remains intact.
“We haven’t really seen Max dropped like that. Like, getting hurt. I don’t know, I hate saying it. You talk about it, but is the chin exactly the same? I don’t know. I don’t know if I can say it is. So if they fight again, or moving forward, Max can’t rely on his chin like he used to, got to be a bit more strategic.”
This is a significant observation from a fighter who has spent fifteen rounds exchanging blows with Holloway. A fighter`s chin, often seen as an almost mythical attribute, is not necessarily immutable. The accumulation of damage, even if subtle, can lead to increased vulnerability. For a competitor like Holloway, whose style has often relied on absorbing shots to land his own volume, this could necessitate a strategic recalibration. Against a knockout artist like Ilia Topuria, a fighter who possesses fight-ending power, relying on an untested chin could prove to be an ill-advised gamble. It`s an intriguing paradox: the man whose resilience is praised now faces questions about his durability.
Strategic Evolution: The Path Forward
Volkanovski’s analysis implies that if Holloway is to conquer the lightweight division, he might need to adapt. The days of simply walking through punches to land a barrage may be numbered. A more `strategic` approach could involve heightened defensive responsibility, greater footwork emphasis, or perhaps a more measured offensive output designed to minimize exposure. For a fighter who has consistently evolved, this represents yet another fascinating chapter in his career: can the “Blessed” era continue by embracing caution where previously only courage was needed?
Max Holloway stands at a pivotal juncture. His recent triumphs have unequivocally stamped his claim for a lightweight championship opportunity. Yet, as eloquently pointed out by Alexander Volkanovski, the path to undisputed gold may require not just physical prowess and mental fortitude, but also a renewed strategic intelligence to protect what has long been considered his most unbreakable asset: his chin. The lightweight division awaits, with an air of both anticipation and a touch of technical intrigue.
