All class: Max Holloway pays tribute to Alexander Volkanovski after UFC 245 title loss
It’s a trend that makes Max Holloway one of the classiest men in the fight. The Hawaiian shows admiration to his opponents win or lose, and of course, things were no different after dropping the UFC featherweight title to Alexander Volkanovski.
In the wake of having his championship reign come to an end by Volkanovski (21-1 MMA, 8-0 UFC) courtesy of a unanimous decision loss in the UFC 245 co-headliner, Holloway (21-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC) took to social media to the man who got the better of him at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Volkanovski and Holloway had similar paths to the top of the division in that they put together long winning streaks and took on all comers. “Blessed” made it clear he respects the new champion for his work ethic and attitude toward the sport (via Instagram):
He was willing to fight for an interim belt. If he couldn’t fight me he was willing to fight anybody even fighters ranked below him. When you’re a champ everybody is below you so Alex was carrying the weight of that belt before Dana wrapped it around his waist. Happy for Alex and Emma and their daughters, and Australia. Same ocean, different waves. See you in the lineup again
With the defeat at UFC 245, Holloway’s title reign came to an end with three defenses. His long winning streak and success as champion will seemingly get him a rematch, though, because UFC president Dana White said post-fight he’d like to see the pair run it back.
It seems Volkanovski will get the hometown advantage, too. The UFC has plans to return to Australia in the first half of 2019, and all signs point to Holloway having to go into enemy territory if he wants the title back.
Considering Holloway got his first undisputed 145-pound belt by defeating Jose Aldo in Brazil, it’s almost certain he will be up to the task.
All class: Max Holloway pays tribute to Alexander Volkanovski after UFC 245 title loss
