UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his belt this weekend at UFC 266 as he takes on Brian Ortega. Volkanovski has already successfully defended his belt once. After winning it against the consensus greatest featherweight of all time, Max Holloway, at UFC 245, he outpointed the Hawaiian once again at UFC 251 via a controversial split decision.
Nevertheless, the Aussie champion seems impressed with Holloway’s activity since their second fight. Many believed ‘Blessed’ should have reclaimed his belt in the rematch as he won the fight according to them. Nevertheless, a trilogy has been in demand ever since. Volkanovski has also entertained the possibility if he comes out triumphant this weekend.
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“I don’t feel anything with that. At the end of the day, he did what he had to do anyway, right. So, again, Ortega’s the number one contender right now. I’m going to go take him out and whoever’s next. Who’s the next in line? You know Max, Max’s had his fight,” said Volkanovski.
“He wasn’t sitting back waiting for another shot. So good on him. I’m gonna give him credit where credit’s due. He is doing what a number 1 contender should do. What I did before I was a champ. I was fighting. Who’s number 1 contender? I’m gonna take them out,” he added.
“Max’s fighting Frankie Edgar. I wanna be there as a backup. I don’t want anybody else to take that opportunity from me. So, you know, he’s doing the right things,” the champion said further.
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Is Max Holloway next in line after Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega?
Holloway has fought both Ortega and Volkanovski who will headline the pay-per-view this weekend. While he absolutely battered Ortega at UFC 231 to retain his title, he has lost two decisions to Volkanovski. However, fans believe the Hawaiian should still be the champion as he won the second fight according to them.
Nevertheless, Holloway is still the cream of the crop at the 145 lbs division. His performance against Calvin Kattar in January was nothing short of phenomenal. So, whoever wins this weekend, a fight with ‘Blessed’ next seems likely. And if Volkanovski manages to retain his belt, the chances are even higher.
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