Max Holloway’s Current Chin Strength Worries Former Opponent Alexander Volkanovski Ahead of UFC 326

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes that Max Holloway's chin is past its prime ahead of UFC 326.

Max Holloway’s Current Chin Strength Worries Former Opponent Alexander Volkanovski Ahead of UFC 326

Alexander Volkanovski questions Max Holloway's chin (MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Max Holloway is preparing for his second BMF title defense against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.
  • Former opponent Alexander Volkanovski questions Holloway's current chin strength and overall durability.
  • Holloway advocates for UFC fighters to unite for better pay and improved contract negotiations.

Few fighters on the UFC roster have built reputations for durability like Max Holloway. At 34 years old, the Hawaiian native has competed at the top of the MMA rankings for nearly fourteen years against elite opposition. He is preparing for his second BMF title defense against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. However, former rival Alexander Volkanovski has cast doubt on whether his durability remains the same.

Throughout his career, Holloway faced elite names such as Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, and Frankie Edgar without ever being knocked out. That changed against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in 2024, where the Georgian-Spanish star knocked him out at 1:34 of the third round in their featherweight title fight. The result marked Holloway’s first knockout loss and intensified scrutiny around his durability and chin.

However, after that setback, Holloway rebounded with a win in the trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, earning a decisive unanimous decision, but suffered a knockdown. Holloway delivered a composed and efficient performance over five rounds. Despite that resurgence, Volkanovski, who faced him three times, offers an informed perspective on how the ‘Blessed Express’ may perform at UFC 326.

Is his chin exactly the same? I don’t know. I know it used to be a granite chin. I think his skills are in his prime, but maybe there are other bits that have just declined a little bit, so it would be hard to say he’s in his prime.

Alexander Volkanovski via YouTube

On the contrary, Volkanovski has previously backed Holloway and his durability inside the Octagon. Ahead of UFC 300, the Australian champion supported Holloway entering his lightweight clash with Justin Gaethje and emphasized his proven resilience. Holloway secured a last-second knockout to win the BMF title. The bout became one of the most memorable and decisive moments on the historic UFC 300 card.

Volkanovski and Holloway completed a three-fight series between 2019 and 2022 that shaped the featherweight title picture for several years. Volkanovski won the belt by unanimous decision at UFC 245 after five competitive rounds. He defended it by split decision at UFC 251 in a closely contested rematch. He then secured a clear unanimous decision in their third meeting at UFC 276 to conclude the rivalry.

Despite their competitive history, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway have maintained mutual professional respect over the years. While the UFC featherweight champion has questioned Holloway’s durability, their rivalry has remained grounded in elite competition rather than hostility. The fifteen rounds they shared inside the Octagon continue to shape the narrative as UFC 326 approaches.

Max Holloway urges UFC fighters to unite for better pay

Fighter compensation in the UFC has faced sustained criticism due to revenue distribution and contract structures. Athletes are classified as independent contractors, limiting collective bargaining power. Comparisons to other major sports leagues have intensified debate over pay equity. As a result, UFC CEO Dana White has remained under scrutiny regarding fighter earnings.

Max Holloway
Max Holloway (via talkSport)

Max Holloway has spent most of his career in the UFC after joining the promotion in 2012. He recently addressed fighter pay and stressed the need for athletes to unite in negotiations. Holloway cited a case where UFC legend Jon Jones pursued a higher purse for a proposed bout with Francis Ngannou. During that period, Derrick Lewis signaled a willingness to take the fight for a significantly lower amount.

One time will always stick out to my mind. When Jon Jones said, ‘I’ll fight Francis, give me $10M’, and UFC say, ‘We’re not paying you that.’ Derrick Lewis said, ‘What? Give me a mil and I’ll fight Francis now.’ We cannot be doing that, brother. You needed to be almost in Jon’s corner, like, ‘Yeah Jon, you deserve $10M, go get that.’ Cause guess what, if he’s fighting for ten, your base pay probably goes up too.

Max Holloway via Mighty YT Channel

Dana White has defended the promotion’s pay structure, stating that compensation was tied to performance and marketability. He has maintained that fighters earn more through wins, titles, and promotional value. Within that framework, remarks from Max Holloway carry significance given his championship pedigree and long tenure with the organization.

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