UFC star drops bold pick for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes before UFC 314

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Zain Bando | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 1:47 PM ET

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After three legendary fights, Max Holloway knows a little bit about fighting Former Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Volkanovski, who attempts to reclaim his featherweight title against Diego Lopes Saturday night in the main event of UFC 314, defeated Holloway three times. Therefore, a prediction from “Blessed” is a given rather than a surprise.

In a recently-uploaded YouTube video, Holloway broke down the main event between his former foe and Lopes.

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Max Holloway On Volkanovski vs. Lopes

“If Diego wins, it’s within the first three rounds,” Holloway said. “I think Diego catches him. Diego comes at you like 100 miles per hour, bro. He comes at you, and he’s like a crazy train flying off the tracks, bro. He comes right at you, punching at you. I think the most dangerous part for this fight is definitely the first two rounds for Volk, maybe three.”

Holloway said the key difference remains Volkanovski’s striking ability and being able to frustrate Lopes across five rounds.

"I think Volk recaptures,” Holloway said. “But I can see Diego capturing it and catching Volk, but it’s MMA. We’ll see what happens.”

Max Holloway Dives Into Volkanovski-Lopes Specifics

“If Alex be the winner, I think he goes to vintage Alex: stick-and-move, pop-shot, leg kicks, maybe grapple against the fence, some dirty boxing against the fence,” Holloway said. “He ekes out a decision, maybe a unanimous decision.”