Alexander Volkanovski glad to 'finally put an end' to Max Holloway rivalry at UFC 276, eyes champ-champ status next

LAS VEGAS – It seems the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway rivalry has hit an end.

The UFC featherweight champion successfully defended his belt against Holloway and st the record against the Hawaiian at 3-0. The two fought in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 276 at the sold-out T-Mobile Arena.

It was a dominant showing by Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC), who for the last three years has been linked to Holloway given their standing at the top of the division.

“It’s been a bit of a journey this rivalry,” Volkanovski told reporters at the UFC 276 post-fight press conference. “Like taking the belt, having the rematch, and all that talk and all that was a bit part of my career, and it adds to the story. It was hard. There were a lot of ups and downs in there. There was a bit I had to get through, but it was good to finally put an end to it and silence a lot of people.”

Even as champion, many fans and pundits thought Holloway was still better than Volkanovski and saw him as the uncrowned champion of the weight class. Volkanovski is confident that’s now a thing of the past and wants to move on to bigger things.

Volkanovski revealed he might’ve suffered a broken hand in the fight. The injury may affect the timeline of his goals, but not change them.

“Let me see what’s happening with (my hand),” Volkanovski said. “It gives me time to see what’s happening and maybe see what’s happening in my division. I want to be active, but if it’s not opponents, it’s maybe injuries that might slow me down a little bit. But other than that, I need to stay active, and I want that double champ status. And like I said, I can stay active enough, and I’ve proved that. What is it, three fights in nine months? I just fought three months ago, not many champions are doing that. I don’t think I can get a No. 1 contender that quick and keep me that busy, so give me another division.”