The UFC 314 title headliner isn’t just another bout. When it comes to Alexander Volkanovski, it’s probably his last opportunity to restore the status quo at featherweight that ran rampant for the last five years. But for Diego Lopes, the title fight is a tryst with destiny! To take the division into a new era. It’s officially the war veteran vs. young blood in Miami! And with the PPV event just 48 hours away, BMF champion Max Holloway who happens to be Volk’s most legendary rival has offered insight into the highly anticipated headliner. Having faced Volkanovski three times in the Octagon at UFC 245, UFC 251, and UFC 276 respectively, Holloway certainly knows what it feels like to get locked inside the cage with ‘The Great’.

Although, Holloway fell short on all three occasions, ‘The Blessed Express’ still has a unique and comprehensive perspective to this championship bout. The current BMF kingpin believes Volkanovski’s path to victory lies in adhering to the tactical approach that has brought him success throughout his UFC career. The tactics that Holloway has suggested to be applied at UFC 314 are to put pressure on his Brazilian counterpart with his footwork, hand-fighting, and striking that’s primarily focused on the use of jabs. In addition to that, ‘Blessed suggested ‘Volk’ makes use of his kicks and wrestling expertise as well.

This way, the Hawaiian native is pretty sure about his former opponent edging past with a decision win. “There’s only two ways I see this fight going. If Alex be the winner, I think he goes to vintage Alex, you know. Stick and move, pop shot, enterprise leg kicks, maybe grapple against the fence, some dirty boxing against the fence. And he ekes out a decision, or maybe a unanimous decision,” Max Holloway stated in a video on his YouTube channel.

When it comes to Diego Lopes, it’s all about going ham during the initial rounds of the fight. As we all know, the 30-year-old likes to go all guns blazing in an attempt to find a way and clip his opponent. But Holloway suggested that he should not take this fight into the championship rounds because that may not bode well for Lopes.

“If Diego wins, it’s within the first three rounds, bro. I think Diego catches him. Diego likes to… [go at a] 100 miles per hour. He comes at you, and he’s like a crazy person… He comes running at you, punching at you,” Max Holloway added. “I think the most dangerous part of this fight is definitely the first two rounds for ‘Volk’. Maybe three, but of ‘Volk goes into vintage ‘Volk’, sticking him, moving, leg kicking, being smart… At the end of the day, I think ‘Volk’ recaptures, but I can see Diego capturing, catching Volk.”

Well, we may have a definitive pick from the BMF champion, but he reminded everyone that “it’s MMA. We see what happens.” Hence, we’ll have to wait and see, but guess what? Alexander Volkanovski has already revealed his game plan for Diego Lopes during a recent interview. Here’s what he had to say!

Alexander Volkanovski claims Diego Lopes’ biggest strength could be his ‘demise’

As we’ve already mentioned, Max Holloway believes that Diego Lopes can only win if he can catch Alexander Volkanovski with his relentless attacks. However, ‘Volk’ claims that it could prove detrimental to Lopes. How? Well, more volume of strikes could mean more chances of getting your opponent, but in the same way, it also leads to openings for your opponents to catch you as well. That’s exactly what Volkanovski will be looking for this weekend when he steps inside the Octagon after over a year on the sidelines.

“He’s dangerous, you know. He’s very aggressive, and his aggression is going to be the danger factor here. Even though I feel like it can be his demise, right? This is something that I can capitalize on. I still think that’s his best chance,” Alexander Volkanovski stated during an interview with ‘SHAK MMA’.

“He’s going to look for the finish. Yeah, he can get caught in the process, but his chances of catching you might go up a little bit because he’s willing to take whatever opportunity he can to put your lights out. But that’s what I feel like I’m going to be able to calculate.”

Well, there will be many predictions coming up before we get to the main event at UFC 314 this weekend. So, let us know your prediction in the comments section below!