https://www.scmp.com/rss/503061/feed Max Holloway is an American mixed martial artist fighting for the UFC, where he has won the featherweight championship. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Max Holloway clearly holds his fellow Hawaiian Christian Lee in high regard – even if ESPN does not. ESPN, the UFC’s official broadcast partner, recently shared a list of the best mixed martial artists under 25 years old. The 24-year-old Lee, who holds ONE Championship’s welterweight and lightweight MMA titles, featured at No 6, but came in behind several UFC fighters who have accomplished far less. Holloway, a former UFC featherweight champion and one of the best fighters in the world today,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3203050/one-championship-ufcs-max-holloway-goes-bat-christian-lee-after-espn-rankings-snub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3203050/one-championship-ufcs-max-holloway-goes-bat-christian-lee-after-espn-rankings-snub?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2022 14:05:37 +0000 If there was any doubt that former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway deserves the opportunity to reclaim the title he once owned, it’s been dispelled. Hawaii’s Holloway, 29, returned to action in the main event of UFC Fight Night 197 on Saturday in Las Vegas, defeating Mexican contender Yair Rodriguez by unanimous decision after five riveting rounds of action. These two are just exchanging blows #UFCVegas42 pic.twitter.com/xmc7YBYCAm — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 13, 2021 Rodriguez,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3156003/ufc-max-holloway-defeats-yair-rodriguez?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3156003/ufc-max-holloway-defeats-yair-rodriguez?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Nov 2021 06:08:50 +0000 Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, considered one of the greatest fighters in the division’s history, believes he’s in position for a fight with Irish MMA superstar Conor McGregor. Holloway (22-6) has fought McGregor (22-6) once before, suffering a decision loss to the Irishman in the featherweight division in 2013. The Hawaiian is slated to fight Mexico‘s Yair Rodriguez inside the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas this Saturday and believes a win could set up a rematch with McGregor –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155520/ufc-max-holloway-believes-hes-shortlist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155520/ufc-max-holloway-believes-hes-shortlist?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:01:55 +0000 The UFC’s promos tell us that Alexander Volkanovski is the “undisputed” featherweight champion but still the Australian is being shadowed by the doubters. Even as the Australian (22-1) prepares for the second defence of his title – against American Brian Ortega (15-1, one no contest) at UFC 260 in Las Vegas on March 28 – aspersions continue to be cast about the man’s credentials, by fellow fighters, even, and across social media. But whereas once this may have been the cause of some... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126094/ufc-alex-volkanovski-says-his-haters-have-got?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126094/ufc-alex-volkanovski-says-his-haters-have-got?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Mar 2021 04:06:47 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov’s big decision during Sunday’s UFC Fight Island 7 main card may have been a little underwhelming, revealing he will consider fighting again if Dustin Poirier or Conor McGregor impress him next weekend. But former featherweight champ Max Holloway (22-6) threw down the gauntlet to the seemingly-retired lightweight champ, noting they have unfinished business of their own after he dismantled Calvin Kattar (22-5) in a main event masterclass. Two judges had it 50-43 for Holloway,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118055/ufc-max-holloway-calls-out-khabib-throws?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118055/ufc-max-holloway-calls-out-khabib-throws?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jan 2021 01:41:02 +0000 Max Holloway’s split decision loss to Alex Volkanovski at UFC 251 remains one of the most hotly debated results in recent memory. Despite the fan favourite preparing for a UFC Fight Island 7 main event clash with No 6-ranked featherweight Calvin Kattar (22-4) on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, pundits and fans alike continue to hark back to what many feel was a harsh outcome for the former champ last July. Having lost his featherweight title to “The Great” Volkanovski (22-1) of Australia seven months... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117694/ufc-max-holloway-insists-80-90-cent-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117694/ufc-max-holloway-insists-80-90-cent-world?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:22:16 +0000 Former featherweight champ Max Holloway returns to face Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Island 7 on Sunday in what will be his first fight without a title on the line in four and a half years. The 29-year-old “Blessed” (21-6) accordingly has a resume stacked with wins over legends and former champs such as Jose Aldo (29-7), Frankie Edgar (23-8-1) and Anthony Pettis (24-10). Having also faced Conor McGregor (22-4), and Dustin Poirier (26-6, one no contest) – twice – he would be a natural choice to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117526/ufc-max-holloway-prepared-step-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117526/ufc-max-holloway-prepared-step-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:19:12 +0000 Max Holloway may have something to say about it, but contender Josh Emmett is adamant Alexander Volkanovski is the greatest featherweight in UFC history. The debate has been going on for years over who is the true 145-pound “GOAT” (greatest of all time), with Brazil’s Jose Aldo (28-7) and “Blessed” Holloway (21-6) firmly in the picture. But the No 7-ranked American Emmett (16-2) holds the reigning Australian champ in high regard because of his recent performances against the top echelon of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105389/ufc-josh-emmett-says-alex-volkanovski?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105389/ufc-josh-emmett-says-alex-volkanovski?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:26:55 +0000 As the saying goes, a fighter is never truly a champion until they’ve defended their title. That certainly rings true for Alexander Volkanovski, who admits he feels an extra sense of gratification after staving off a resurgent Max Holloway in their rematch at UFC 251 earlier this month. “To take Max out back-to-back is really saying something … he’s a great fighter,” Volkanovski told SCMP MMA. “We knew he’d make adjustments and this would be a tough fight and obviously did, he came out... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094675/alex-volkanovski-hurt-dana-whites-bad-judging?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094675/alex-volkanovski-hurt-dana-whites-bad-judging?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2020 02:24:16 +0000 After sympathising with “devastated” Max Holloway and questioning the judging in his UFC 251 defeat by Max Holloway on Fight Island, Dana White has opened the door to a trilogy bout between the two. Australia’s Volkanovski (22-1) retained the featherweight crown he took from Holloway (21-6) last December with a controversial split decision in Abu Dhabi last weekend. Many considered Holloway was hard done by the judges, having decisively won the first two rounds on all three scorecards only for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093744/max-holloway-vs-alex-volkanovski-trilogy-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093744/max-holloway-vs-alex-volkanovski-trilogy-not?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jul 2020 04:53:58 +0000 The “Korean Zombie” Jung Chan-sung has added his name to the growing list of people who think Alexander Volkanovski didn’t deserve the judges’ decision at UFC 251 against Max Holloway on Fight Island. Volkanovski (22-1) won a controversial decision over Holloway (21-6) in defending his 145-pound belt over the weekend in Abu Dhabi. UFC president Dana White said he was not in agreement with the decision and Jung has now called out Volkanovski. “To be honest, it is shameful that Volkanovski is a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092897/ufc-251-korean-zombie-calls-alexander?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092897/ufc-251-korean-zombie-calls-alexander?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jul 2020 06:10:24 +0000 Dana White has sympathised with Max Holloway after Alexander Volkanovski’s controversial split-decision rematch win against the former featherweight champ at UFC 251 on Sunday. Volkanovski (22-1), who won the belt off Holloway (21-6) via unanimous decision in December 2019, knuckled down and came back from losing the first two rounds to win the co-main event in the judges’ eyes. While the 31-year-old Australian said he was “pretty confident” he had won the fight, much of the MMA community felt... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092860/ufc-251-dana-white-feels-devastated-max?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092860/ufc-251-dana-white-feels-devastated-max?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jul 2020 12:28:38 +0000 Alexander Volkanovski dug deep to grind out a split decision win in his rematch with former champion Max Holloway at UFC 251 on Sunday, though many felt “Blessed” was robbed by the judges on Fight Island. Featherweight champion Volkanovski (22-1), who won the title off Holloway via unanimous decision in December last year, struggled to maintain a foothold in the first three rounds before seeing out the last two to win on the judges’ scorecards (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) in Abu Dhabi. All three judges... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092829/ufc-251-alexander-volkanovski-edges-max?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092829/ufc-251-alexander-volkanovski-edges-max?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jul 2020 06:12:49 +0000 Jose Aldo can join some elite company with victory over Petr Yan at UFC 251 on Sunday. The former featherweight champion looks to add a title in a second weight class when he bids for the vacant bantamweight belt on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. “I think I'd be among the three best of all time,” the Brazilian said, when asked at Wednesday’s virtual media day where his name might fall in the “GOAT” (greatest of all time) rankings should he take the belt vacated by the retired Henry Cejudo. Aldo was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092413/ufc-251-jose-aldo-thinks-hes-top-three-goat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092413/ufc-251-jose-aldo-thinks-hes-top-three-goat?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2020 18:33:19 +0000 There was a sense that Max Holloway was out-thought as much as he was out-fought the last time he faced Alexander Volkanovski and the Australian duly walked away with the UFC’s featherweight belt. Second time around, and the Hawaiian says that simply won’t happen again as he goes in to Saturday’s UFC 251 rematch looking for a finish, and to reclaim the title he had previously manage to defend three times. “Don’t leave it for the judges, they only make you cry,” said Holloway, speaking via the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092303/ufc-251-max-holloway-says-i-dont-need?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092303/ufc-251-max-holloway-says-i-dont-need?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:29:26 +0000 Max Holloway revealed he has done “no sparring at all” and has only received coaching over Zoom ahead of his rematch against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski this weekend. Former champion Holloway (21-5), who lost his belt to Australian Volkanovski (21-1) via unanimous decision in December last year, only saw his coaches in person for the first time on the flight to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, where his UFC 251 co-main event will be held on Sunday. “It was challenging indeed,” the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091934/ufc-251-max-holloway-has-done-no-sparring-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091934/ufc-251-max-holloway-has-done-no-sparring-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jul 2020 03:42:57 +0000 Dana White’s Fight Island on Yas Island just off the coast of Abu Dhabi is now coming fully into view for UFC fans. White posted two videos to his Twitter account over the past two days, which showcased the construction and layout of the entire facility. “This experience is going to be so B***** for my fighters and my staff!!!” White wrote on Twitter. The first video showcases Yas Island, which is right beside the Abu Dhabi International Airport and connected to the mainland via a national... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091488/ufc-251-dana-white-teases-fight-island-abu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091488/ufc-251-dana-white-teases-fight-island-abu?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jul 2020 05:47:10 +0000 While UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones have been spotted in the streets showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement amidst ongoing fury at the death of George Floyd in May, other fighters within the MMA realm have also shared their thoughts on social media. Former double champion, Daniel “DC” Cormier, told everybody to “wake up” after the killing of unarmed black man Floyd by now-convicted police officer Derek Chauvin in Minnesota in May. “As we pray for George Floyd and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:05:45 +0000 The stars seem to be aligning for UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski. On Wednesday, the UFC confirmed widespread reports that they’d be returning to Australia in June, setting up a potential blockbuster homecoming for Volkanovski’s maiden title defence. While rumours already abound that a rematch with Max Holloway is as good as a lock for the main event, that may still depend on the 31-year-old being medically cleared to fight. “The Great” is working his way back from a hand injury... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3052627/ufc-alex-volkanovski-happy-give-henry-cejudo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3052627/ufc-alex-volkanovski-happy-give-henry-cejudo?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:12:08 +0000 Soon after fresh featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski said he was hesitant about a Max Holloway rematch, contender Jung Chan-sung – more familiarly known as “The Korean Zombie” – took to Instagram to troll the Australian. “Afraid you’re going to get KO’d by the Zombie mate? #chicken #again #seeyousoon,” Jung posted alongside a screenshot of a news article quoting Volkanovski’s reply to the South Korean’s previous call-out. View this post on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046348/ufc-korean-zombie-trolls-featherweight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046348/ufc-korean-zombie-trolls-featherweight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 06:27:28 +0000 Alexander Volkanovski secured a huge upset as he snapped Max Holloway’s 14-fight win streak at featherweight to claim his title at UFC 245. The Australian torched Holloway with a UFC record number of leg kicks in front of his watching City Kick-boxing teammate Israel Adesanya, claiming a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards. Two judges scored it 48-47 for Volkanovski, and the third had it 50-45. The Auckland-based gym now has two UFC champions as its reputation continues to soar under... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042162/ufc-245-alex-volkanovski-chops-max-holloway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042162/ufc-245-alex-volkanovski-chops-max-holloway?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2019 06:16:55 +0000 UFC featherweight title contender Alex Volkanovski has been listening to the plaudits roll in for upcoming opponent Max Holloway for what seems an eternity. The Hawaiian prodigy has captured the imagination of fight fans with his suffocating brand of striking which has seen him tear off a staggering 13-fight win streak. But Dustin Poirier proved the “Blessed” one was fallible when he almost beat him at his own game, dashing his hopes of adding the interim lightweight strap to his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041756/ufc-245-alex-volkanovski-warns-max-holloway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041756/ufc-245-alex-volkanovski-warns-max-holloway?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:09:20 +0000 Max Holloway has said he is “sure” he will still fight Khabib Nurmagomedov – provided they both still have the goal of being the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. The UFC featherweight champion will defend his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 245 in Las Vegas on Saturday night. But he admitted he still had plenty of what ifs after being deemed medically unfit to compete against the Russian for the lightweight title last April because of a botched weight cut. Khabib has since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041413/ufc-245-max-holloway-stills-wants-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041413/ufc-245-max-holloway-stills-wants-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2019 07:17:53 +0000