Holloway Vs. Volkanovski 4: How Would It Go?

Hey fight fans! The burning question on everyone's mind is, how would a fourth fight between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski go? These two featherweight legends have already given us an epic trilogy, each fight filled with incredible skill, heart, and drama. But with Volkanovski's recent setback against Islam Makhachev and Holloway's continued dominance over the rest of the division, the idea of a fourth showdown is more tantalizing than ever. Let's dive deep into the potential scenarios, stylistic matchups, and what each fighter needs to do to emerge victorious in this hypothetical clash.

The Story So Far: A Trilogy of Classics

Before we even begin to dissect what a fourth fight might look like, let's quickly recap the Holloway vs. Volkanovski trilogy. Their first encounter at UFC 245 saw Volkanovski dethrone the long-reigning champion Holloway via unanimous decision. The fight was a tactical masterclass from Volkanovski, who effectively targeted Holloway's legs with calf kicks, disrupting his rhythm and limiting his movement. The second fight, at UFC 251, was razor-close, with Volkanovski again winning via split decision. This fight, however, was highly controversial, with many fans and analysts believing Holloway had done enough to win. The third fight, at UFC 276, was the most decisive of the three, with Volkanovski putting on a striking clinic, leaving no doubt who the better fighter was on that night. He secured a dominant unanimous decision victory, showcasing his evolution as a fighter and solidifying his claim as the featherweight GOAT. These three fights have provided a wealth of data and insights into the matchup, but the ever-evolving nature of MMA means a fourth fight would be a completely new challenge.

Analyzing the Styles: A Clash of Titans

Max Holloway, the "Blessed" one, is known for his incredible pace, volume striking, and iron chin. He overwhelms opponents with a relentless barrage of punches, often breaking them down in the later rounds. Holloway's cardio is legendary, allowing him to maintain a high output for the entire fight. His jab is one of the best in the game, and he uses it to set up his combinations and control the distance. He's also incredibly durable, having absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment throughout his career. However, Holloway's tendency to start slow has sometimes cost him rounds, and his susceptibility to leg kicks has been a recurring issue.

Alexander Volkanovski, "The Great," is a complete mixed martial artist. He possesses crisp striking, powerful wrestling, and a high fight IQ. Volkanovski's striking is more measured and calculated than Holloway's, focusing on landing the more damaging shots. His calf kicks have proven to be a major weapon, and he uses them effectively to disrupt his opponent's balance and movement. Volkanovski's wrestling is also a key part of his game, allowing him to control the fight's pace and take down his opponents when necessary. He’s also shown the ability to adapt his game plan mid-fight, making him a very difficult opponent to prepare for. However, his recent loss to Makhachev, where he was caught in a head kick and finished, raised some questions about his durability against high-level strikers, despite putting on a dominant performance in the first fight against Islam.

Pathways to Victory: What Each Fighter Needs to Do

For Max Holloway to win a fourth fight against Volkanovski, he needs to make some significant adjustments. Firstly, he needs to start faster and be more aggressive from the opening bell. Giving Volkanovski early rounds has been a recurring theme in their fights, and Holloway can't afford to do that again. He needs to utilize his jab more effectively, keeping Volkanovski at bay and setting up his combinations. Secondly, Holloway needs to address the leg kick issue. This has been a major factor in Volkanovski's success, and Holloway needs to find ways to defend or counter them. This could involve checking the kicks, changing his stance, or using footwork to stay out of range. Thirdly, Holloway needs to mix in takedowns. While he's primarily a striker, adding the threat of takedowns could make Volkanovski more hesitant and open up striking opportunities. Lastly, Holloway needs to maintain his relentless pace and pressure. He has the cardio to push Volkanovski for five rounds, and he needs to use that to his advantage. By overwhelming Volkanovski with volume and pressure, Holloway can force mistakes and potentially secure a finish.

On the other hand, for Alexander Volkanovski to secure his fourth victory over Holloway, he needs to stick to what has worked in the past while making some necessary adjustments. Firstly, he needs to continue to utilize his calf kicks. This weapon has been highly effective in disrupting Holloway's movement and limiting his offense. Secondly, Volkanovski needs to mix up his striking targets. He can't just focus on the legs; he needs to throw punches to the head and body to keep Holloway guessing. Thirdly, Volkanovski needs to use his wrestling to control the fight's pace and position. He can take Holloway down when necessary to score points or create striking opportunities. Fourthly, Volkanovski needs to be wary of Holloway's jab and volume striking. He needs to use head movement and footwork to avoid getting tagged and create openings for his own shots. Lastly, Volkanovski needs to capitalize on any openings that Holloway gives him. He has the power to finish the fight, and he needs to be ready to pull the trigger if the opportunity arises. The biggest factor for Volkanovski will be how he rebounds from his knockout loss to Islam Makhachev. He needs to show that he's still the same fighter, both physically and mentally.

The X-Factors: Intangibles That Could Decide the Fight

Beyond the stylistic matchups and game plans, several intangible factors could play a crucial role in the outcome of a fourth fight. Mental fortitude is paramount. Both fighters have been through wars, and their ability to handle pressure and adversity will be critical. Volkanovski's recent loss to Makhachev could have a significant impact on his confidence and mindset. He needs to prove that he can bounce back from a knockout loss and still compete at the highest level. Holloway, on the other hand, needs to overcome the mental hurdle of having lost to Volkanovski three times already. He needs to believe that he can win and execute his game plan effectively.

Physical conditioning is another key factor. Both fighters are known for their incredible cardio, but the wear and tear of their previous fights could take a toll. The ability to maintain a high pace for five rounds will be crucial. Volkanovski's weight cut to 145 pounds has been a topic of discussion, and it's possible that he might be affected by it as he gets older. Holloway, known for his durability, needs to ensure his chin can withstand Volkanovski's power shots.

The element of surprise can also play a role. In a fourth fight, both fighters will be intimately familiar with each other's tendencies. The fighter who can introduce new wrinkles to their game plan or surprise their opponent with something unexpected could gain a significant advantage. This could involve new striking combinations, takedown setups, or defensive maneuvers.

Expert Opinions: What the Pundits Are Saying

The MMA community is buzzing with opinions on a potential fourth fight between Holloway and Volkanovski. Many analysts believe that Volkanovski's dominant performance in the third fight has cemented his status as the better fighter, while others argue that Holloway has the skills and determination to make the necessary adjustments and finally get the win. Some experts point to Volkanovski's age and recent knockout loss as potential vulnerabilities, while others emphasize Holloway's tendency to start slow as a recurring issue. The consensus seems to be that a fourth fight would be competitive and entertaining, but the outcome is far from certain.

Former fighters and coaches have also weighed in on the matchup. Some believe that Volkanovski's leg kicks will continue to be a major factor, while others argue that Holloway can neutralize them with better footwork and defense. There's also discussion about the potential for Holloway to mix in takedowns, which could make Volkanovski more hesitant on the feet. Ultimately, the experts are divided, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding a potential fourth fight.

Fan Predictions: What the Fans Think

Of course, no discussion about Holloway vs. Volkanovski 4 would be complete without considering the fans' perspective. Social media platforms and online forums are filled with debates and predictions about the fight. Some fans believe that Volkanovski will dominate again, citing his superior striking and wrestling skills. Others are rooting for Holloway to finally get the victory, praising his heart and determination. There are also those who predict a close, competitive fight that could go either way. Fan sentiment is often influenced by emotions and personal preferences, but it's a significant part of the overall narrative surrounding a fight. The energy and excitement of the fans can create a charged atmosphere and add to the drama of the event.

Conclusion: Will We See Holloway vs. Volkanovski 4?

The question remains: will we ever see Holloway vs. Volkanovski 4? The answer is complex and depends on several factors. Both fighters have other potential matchups in the featherweight division and beyond. Volkanovski has expressed interest in moving up to lightweight again, while Holloway could face other top contenders at 145 pounds. The UFC's matchmaking decisions also play a role, as they need to consider what makes the most sense from a business and competitive standpoint. However, the demand for a fourth fight is undeniable. The trilogy has been a classic, and fans are eager to see if Holloway can finally solve the Volkanovski puzzle. If both fighters are willing and the circumstances align, Holloway vs. Volkanovski 4 could be one of the biggest fights in MMA history.

In conclusion, a fourth fight between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski is a fascinating prospect. It's a clash of two of the greatest featherweights of all time, each with their unique skills, strengths, and weaknesses. The previous three fights have been filled with drama and excitement, and a fourth encounter would likely be no different. While the outcome is uncertain, one thing is for sure: it would be a must-see event for any fight fan.