Key stats: 3,197 significant strikes (1st all time), 7.1 strikes per minute (3rd all time among FWs), 11 fight night bonuses overall (tied 10th all time)
What this means: “Blessed” is continuous action personified. The Hawaiian and former featherweight champion is an exhaustive opponent, constantly pressuring forward, changing stances and peppering his opponents with strikes. by Holloway Boxing is known for its sharpness, and he works his enemy’s body well in the middle of combinations. He doesn’t kick as much as he did earlier in his career, but he still uses fast, low kicks and a beautiful spinning back kick to his opponent’s body. Holloway’s best weapons will always be his cardio, volume, and legendary durability.
MORE BMF: Justin Gaethje likes the unknowns of fighting | Max Holloway just wants to build his legacy
What to look for in combat: The third BMF title fight lives up to its nickname. Gaethje possesses more fight-ending power, and if anyone can break Holloway’s granite chin, it’s Gaethje, but ‘The Highlight’ will be better served by sticking to his low blows early on . Holloway has shown vulnerability to this offense in the past, and few throw them better than Gaethje. Holloway will need to close the distance and keep the pressure on Gaethje from the start in hopes of slowing down these attacks, but he will also need to be wary of the danger in front of him. Gaethje can end a fight in the blink of an eye and Holloway is very approachable. Expect Holloway to keep the volume high, especially when in the pocket, and manage distance otherwise. Holloway has the cardio advantage against almost everyone he fights, and while Gaethje is as durable as they come, he can wear out a bit, which is all Holloway needs to overwhelm anyone.
Charles Oliveira