Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Volkanovski wants to do what he couldn’t against Max Holloway in their first fight.
Feeling “disrespected” and “annoyed” ahead of his UFC 251 rematch, Alex Volkanovski is guaranteeing a finish over Max Holloway.
Volkanovski won a unanimous decision against Holloway last December to become the new featherweight champion. Talking to ESPN, “The Great” explained why he feels he has something to prove in the rematch despite his dominant win first time around.
“This is a rematch and I’ve got something to prove right now, this is bigger than just a win,” Volkanovski said. “I don’t want to go out there and just beat him, I’ve already done that. I dominated him for five rounds last time, but they give him a rematch anyway.”
The win at UFC 245 meant Volkanovski is still undefeated in the UFC, whilst the loss for Holloway was his first in 13 fights at featherweight.
“People quickly forget how I did it, there were biased opinions and commentary, everything. So I’m a little bit annoyed, I feel disrespected,” Volkanovski said. “I’ve got something to prove this time, I’ll put him away inside the five [rounds] this time. I guarantee you that. I’m sending a message.”
UFC 251 takes place on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, UAE on July 11th. A welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns will headline the card, whilst Volkanovski vs. Holloway serves as the co-main event.