Alexander Volkanovski understands the difficulty fighters face when coming back after a knockout loss. The UFC featherweight champion experienced this firsthand, having been knocked out by Islam Makhachev and then suffering another loss to Ilia Topuria months later. Topuria has since also defeated Max Holloway by knockout, elevating his status in the featherweight division. Now, Max Holloway is preparing to respond to the first knockout loss of his career as he takes on Dustin Poirier in the highly anticipated Dustin Poirier UFC 318 fight this Saturday night.
Volkanovski Reflects on Holloway’s Setback and Potential Comeback
Throughout his career, Volkanovski has faced Holloway three times, emerging victorious on each occasion. Heading into UFC 318, Poirier is aiming to join Volkanovski with multiple wins over the Hawaiian fighter, holding a 2-0 record against him. Despite that, Volkanovski believes Holloway has the resilience to recover strongly, defend his BMF title, and potentially push Poirier towards retirement with a loss.
“He’s coming off the first knockout loss ever. Not many people can bounce back from that,”
Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia.
A lot of people change after that, but there’s only a few that can bounce back in a positive way, and I know he’s one of them.
“I’m going to go with Max. Obviously, he’s coming off a KO loss, which is something that’s going to be a big factor. Not many people can bounce back from a KO loss. There’s very few that can, and I think Max is definitely one of them.”
Volkanovski added that the KO loss might make Holloway even more tactical in his approach. He believes the fighter’s toughness and skills will combine with a more calculated style, making him a formidable opponent.
“You know he’s tough, you know he’s got a lot of skills, but now to have even more of a calculated approach, I think he’s going to be one tough man to beat.”
Volkanovski’s Future Plans After UFC 314 Victory
Volkanovski has managed to come back stronger following setbacks. At UFC 314 in April, he claimed the vacant featherweight title by outpointing Diego Lopes. Now entering his second reign as the 145-pound champion, Volkanovski is seeking his next challenger for his first title defense.
Among contenders, Movsar Evloev stands out as a top candidate. Evloev, undefeated at 19-0, recently withdrew from a fight due to injury but remains a desirable opponent in Volkanovski’s eyes. The champion has expressed his willingness to fight anyone placed in front of him, though he has shown particular enthusiasm for facing Evloev.
“If you ask me, ‘Who would I be most excited for?’ It probably would be Movsar.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. By 2025, Poirier is expected to have around $10 million. He has wisely managed his money by securing big endorsement deals with companies like Venum. Additionally, he is involved in charity work through his organization, “The Good Fight Foundation,” which helps communities in need.