Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
and millions drool over that fool but dont like ColbyColby is actually growing on me lol. At least he has the balls to call out Dana on his bullshit. His Fugazi persona can be annoying but he’s only doing it to build his name, which is working. And he doesn’t strike me as a scumbag that would chin an old man in a pub...
I'll preface this by saying there's a decent chance I'm subconsciously being misled for patriotic reasons but I genuinely think Volkanovski is a big chance to beat Holloway tomorrow. We saw the blueprint on how you beat Max eight months ago when Poirier belted him around for five rounds. Completely outclassed Max from a striking perspective and that's supposed to be Holloway's strong point.
Now we know Alex's striking is solid from his kickboxing background and he possesses an impressive amount of power for a 145er but I think one aspect a lot of people overlook is the fact that Volkanovski actually got his start in wrestling and was a national champion at 12 years of age! Chad Mendes was known for his impressive wrestling and Alex made him look like an amateur in the octagon after being taken down three times and getting straight back up every time he was taken down. So that tells me Volkanovski's core strength is next level in the featherweight division. I also think Alex manages distance well which is where the two inch reach advantage plays in his favour. Alex's cardio is also elite which is crucial in a five round fight and he doesn't seem fazed by the big occasion.
Alex likes to bang but is that the most effective game plan against Max or should he go for the takedown? Look at the way he beat Aldo (who is an elite striker) by outclassing him on his feet as an example of what could happen tomorrow. I'm not sure if Alex is going to utilise his ground game but it's possible given that's not really Max's strong suit. If not, I believe a barrage of strikes similar to what Poirier did to Holloway could be Alex's ticket to the belt. I guess what I'm trying to say is Alex has multiple avenues he could explore to win this fight and may very well change tactics mid way through the fight if his initial game plan isn't effective.
I know I've kind of overlooked Max's strengths but what are your thoughts on my theories?
It's a great question. When you watch the way Mendes struggled to control him on the ground you get an idea of Alex's core strength but does that translate to control or is he considerably better with defensive wrestling than he is with offensive wrestling? There isn't a whole lot of footage of Alex's UFC career available on YouTube but he seemed to control Yusuke Kasuya pretty well on the ground and really punished him with his ground and pound. Obviously there's a big difference in standard between Kasuya and Holloway but I can only base it on the footage I'm able to find. I wish I could find more footage to give you a proper answer.You make some decent points. But Volk doesn’t have anywhere near the striking & power of the Diamond. Completely different levels. I trust Max’s TDD to hold up & even if he gets taken down, can Volk hold him there for multiple rounds? As an Aussie I obviously would like to see him win but I think Max is just a class above and will piece him up for 3-4 rounds & possibly finish him
The Poirier Holloway fight was actually much closer than many seem to recall, 2 rounds each(what most people scored the fight, not everyone) going into the 5th round where Dustin managed to keep his pace up to hold on. It was keeping Max on the back foot which was the major factor in Dustin's success, not letting Max fight in his usual way.I'll preface this by saying there's a decent chance I'm subconsciously being misled for patriotic reasons but I genuinely think Volkanovski is a big chance to beat Holloway tomorrow. We saw the blueprint on how you beat Max eight months ago when Poirier belted him around for five rounds. Completely outclassed Max from a striking perspective and that's supposed to be Holloway's strong point.
Not quite...The Poirier Holloway fight was actually much closer than many seem to recall, 2 rounds each(what most people scored the fight, not everyone) going into the 5th round where Dustin managed to keep his pace up to hold on.
Well Alex is definitely capable of fighting on the front foot so he can definitely put pressure on Max from that perspective. You're right that Dustin's boxing is better than Alex's but I'd like to think Volk's overall striking with kicks included is right up there with the best of them. Hard to compare power in the two fights because the extra 10 pounds does make a fair bit of difference.It was keeping Max on the back foot which was the major factor in Dustin's success, not letting Max fight in his usual way.
Volk wouldn't have the same level of power/striking as dustin. Dustin's got some super clean boxing, and I'd be surprised if Volkanovski's power was actually comparable.
That's a good point. Having that kind of reach advantage clearly changes the dynamic when it comes to striking. However, if the striking isn't working for Alex, he can get to work on the ground so there are options for him. Multiple avenues to victory for Volk and that's why I like his chances. I want to see if he can control a longer body like Max's on the ground. I feel that will be a huge factor if the fight ends up on the canvas.Also need to note that Poirier had 10"+ reach advantage, which went a long way to stopping Max being on the front foot pressing with his jab as effectively as normal. Volkanovski won't have that luxury so will need to find a different method to get Max retreating on the back foot.
In terms of wrestling, Max dealt with Frankie's wrestling very easily, and I'm not super sure about Volk's wrestling credentials.
It's a great question. When you watch the way Mendes struggled to control him on the ground you get an idea of Alex's core strength but does that translate to control or is he considerably better with defensive wrestling than he is with offensive wrestling? There isn't a whole lot of footage of Alex's UFC career available on YouTube but he seemed to control Yusuke Kasuya pretty well on the ground and really punished him with his ground and pound. Obviously there's a big difference in standard between Kasuya and Holloway but I can only base it on the footage I'm able to find. I wish I could find more footage to give you a proper answer.
Nice assessment. I agree with what you've said.Alex has had good success taking guys down and beating them up. When I think of his offensive wrestling, I think about takedowns against the cage. At range, I don't remember him showing off a power double which is what I think he needs in his bag to win this fight. Max's reach is understated because his shoulders are so narrow and he does a great job switching stances or squaring up to control the range on his opponents. I think he will be too crafty on the feet to get trapped against the cage and taken down by Alex. Having said that, Alex has shown great control when he gets on top, so if he is able to get Max down I think he will do well.
In the stand up, what Poirier and McGregor did well against Max early on was hurt him. Alex needs to find a way to trap Max and force some heavy exchanges early on. If he can't, I think it's a long night for him.