Alexander Volkanovski Believes Max Holloway “Chapter” is “Finished”

Following Saturday’s war between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, there was no shortage of people opining ‘Blessed’ should have been awarded the fight. But, if you’re wondering about the possibility of a third bout between the two, it seems clear Volkanovski doesn’t see that happening anytime soon.

Holloway says Holloway chapter is “finished”

Volkanovski ended the featherweight reign of Holloway last December, by outscoring the renowned fighter for the decision win. But, since the fight was pretty competitive, and because of what Holloway’s accomplished, a do-over was booked for UFC 251.

This time around, however, Holloway had more answers for Volkanovski. In fact, the Hawaiian star dropped the Australian fighter in the first and second rounds, and many people scored the first three frames for Holloway.

At the end of the day, however, two of the judges saw the fight for Volkanovski, and he emerged from the bout with the split decision win.

While talking with the media after the thrilling and grueling battle, Volkanovski didn’t outright say no to a third bout with Holloway. But, the champ relayed he doesn’t think it will or should go down soon (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“It was a tough one,” Volkanovski said. “We expected him to make adjustments, he made good adjustments in the first two rounds.

Then he did what we actually expected him too with the attacks. But his first two rounds were strong then we had to pick it up.

Through the third round we picked it up. That third round was close, but we were confident we got that third round then obviously we took the fourth and fifth.

Tight fight, but when the judges announced the score we thought we got the last three. Happy with the win.

To win a rematch like that back to back, it says something. I’m happy to finish the chapter. On to the next…”

“You never know,” Volkanovski said, when asked specifically about a third fight with Holloway materializing.

“Obviously, he’s got to go through the rankings system now and I don’t think the first fight was close. This was probably closer than the first fight but again, I got he job done.

Doesn’t matter. I feel like I showed I’m the best fighter in the world even today. I believe I finished that chapter.

I don’t know where he goes from here, I don’t know if he wants to move up or whatever. But I did what I needed to do.”

Reaction?

So, even if you scored the fight for Holloway, it is hard to see a third fight between the two getting tabled in the near future. Dana White criticized the judges’ scoring for the bout, but he stopped short of saying a third fight will happen.

At the end of the day, a third bout right now probably wouldn’t garner as much interest and the UFC likely wants to move on with the division.

All this aside, it will be interesting to see what Holloway elects to do. Will he stay at 145 pounds and try to make another title run? Might he bulk up and move to lightweight?