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The co-main event of UFC 251 features a featherweight title fight rematch between Alex Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
The co-main event of UFC 251 features featherweight title rematch between current champion Alexander Volkanovski (21-1 UFC, 8-0 UFC) and former champion Max Holloway (21-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC). UFC 251 marks the first of four events to take place on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 11th. The main card will start with a fight time of 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT, with the ESPN prelims beginning at 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET on Fight Pass and ESPN+.
How do these two stack up?
Volkanovski: 31 years old | 5’6” | 69” reach
Holloway: 28 years old | 5’11” | 71.5” reach
How did these two get here?
Volkanovski: W – Max Holloway (DEC) W – Jose Aldo (DEC) W – Chad Mendes (TKO)
Holloway: L – Alex Volkanovski (DEC) W – Frankie Edgar (DEC) L – Dustin Poirier (DEC)
What have these two done recently?
Despite a unanimous decision win against Holloway in their fight last December, Alex Volkanovski still feels he has something to prove against the Hawaiian at UFC 251. “The Great” has made it his goal to earn a stoppage win against Holloway to earn the first defence of his title. Before winning the 145-pound belt, Volkanovski picked up wins against former champion Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes last year.
After winning 13-straight UFC fights, Holloway has lost two of his last three appearances. A failed bid at interim lightweight gold against Dustin Poirier meant ‘Blessed’ returned back to featherweight to defend his title against Frankie Edgar in July of last year. Holloway now finds himself in a position where he will try to earn his title back against Volkanovski. ‘Blessed’ recently said he hasn’t sparred once for the rematch, training mostly over Zoom for the fight.
Why should you care?
Losing his belt has surely lit a fire inside for Holloway, so expect a closer rematch compared to the first fight.