Alexander Volkanovski has fired shots at Max Holloway for wanting to be a backup fighter for the upcoming featherweight title fight.
The trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski was set for UFC 272. However, it did not happen as Holloway pulled out of the card almost right away. Max was dealing with an injury that was not made public. Hence, the UFC went ahead and booked a fight between the champ and Chan Sung Jung aka ‘The Korean Zombie.’
But, if reports are to be believed, Max Holloway has made a full recovery and wants to serve as a backup fighter for the event. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that the Hawaiian fighter is ready to be back in training. However, it did not sit well with the Aussie fighter.
Alexander Volkanovski: ‘You are not trying if you are not cheating’
Volkanovski took to Twitter to mock the former 145 lbs champion. However, he also respects the hustle. The two have been at odds ever since their paths crossed at UFC 245. Although he did it mockingly, Alexander Volkanovski gave some credit to Max Holloway’s alleged ‘cheating’.
The 33-year old wrote, “(Max Holloway) wants to be the backup fighter for the fight he was originally scheduled to fight. So in other words, he was never injured. Just hoping he doesn’t have to fight me or fight me while I’m preparing for someone. But hey, ‘if you ain’t cheating you ain’t trying.’ NO?”
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The champ is scheduled for a fight at UFC 273 in April against the aforementioned ‘Korean Zombie’. If Volkanovski successfully defends his title, the trilogy fight against Holloway seems inevitable now. Barring any more injuries to either fighter, it should be one of the more sought-after contests in UFC history.
A trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz will obviously sell more PPVs due to both of their star power. But in terms of bragging rights and historical significance, the third fight between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski will be more important.
