UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski defends his title against Brian Ortega in the main event of UFC 266. This will be his second title defense after beating Max Holloway for the featherweight title.
Alexander Volkanovski has had some huge wins in his UFC careers such as wins over Max Holloway, Jose Aldo, and Chad Mendes. With an unbeaten streak of 20 wins, Volkanovski should be considered one of the greatest to ever do it in the featherweight division.
However, he is still a underrated UFC champion despite beating Max Holloway twice. And even Volkanovski is aware of that. Though his wins over Holloway were close fights he deserves a lot of credit for beating Holloway twice even if that was due to a small margin.
In the UFC 266 media day, responding to the critics, Alexander Volkanovski stated:
“I definitely deserve that respect. But, at the same time, I don’t mind the doubters. That drives me. I’ve been the underdog my whole life. No one expected me from where I live to be doing what I am doing, world champ from a little town in Australia. I love it. But do I deserve that respect? 100%. I am gonna get it this weekend.”
Alexander Volkanovski welcomes a trilogy with Max Holloway
A trilogy between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway is inevitable if Volkanovski comes out victorious at UFC 266. And it seems, Volkanovski is not running away from another fight with Max Holloway, who was considered invincible in the featherweight division for a long time.
Moreover, Alexander Volkanovski praised Max Holloway for willing to fight top contenders instead of waiting for another shot at the title after two consecutive losses. Volkanovski stated:
“I’m hearing that all the time. That’s probably what the fight is gonna be. I am a realist. If that’s the fight, obviously the winner of that will definitely get that number 1 contender spot. He looked great in his last fight. And I want the number 1 contenders. So he actually went out there instead of just waiting and expecting another shot. So credit to him. Whoever is next, if it’s Max, let’s dance.”
Though Max Holloway looked really impressive against Calvin Kattar that does not mean he will be able to overcome Alexander Volkanovski with ease.
When it comes to fight IQ and keeping the composure in the most tense moments, Alexander Volkanovski is one of the best in the game.
it’s safe to say that the fans can expect another iconic battle between Volkanovski and Holloway if Volk beats Ortega at UFC 266.