Max Holloway: ’80 to 90 Percent of the World’ Thinks I Beat Alexander Volkanovski

Max Holloway has largely been quiet since a controversial split-decision defeat to Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch at UFC 251 this past July.

However, while Holloway is well-known for accepting defeat with grace, he points to the majority opinion regarding that result. Of the 27 media scorecards tracked by MMADecisions.com, 18 rewarded the fight to Holloway.

“Me personally, I don’t really think that it matters if I won the fight,” Holloway told ESPN. “What matters to me is what most people think…It doesn’t matter what I think. But the UFC, you guys, the world — they can see. 80 to 90 percent of the world thinks I won. That’s what matters to them and that’s what matters to me.”

Holloway also points out that many prominent members of the MMA community thought he defeated Volkanovski in their rematch.

"They were sticking their necks out for me," Holloway said. "And these aren't fans, they're fighters. Jorge [Masvidal], Nate [Diaz], Dustin [Poirier], Justin [Gaethje], the list goes on. Even [MMA managers Ali Abdelaziz and Malki and Abe Kawa.] All these guys cannot agree on what color the sky is, but they agreed on one thing that night.”

While Dana White initially expressed interest in booking a trilogy between Volkanovski and Holloway, it appears that Brian Ortega may be next in line to face the reigning champion following a victory over Chan Sung Jung in October. Still, Holloway says he’d be willing to face Volkanovski as many times as needed to decide the better man.

"If it was Kobe [Bryant] and Michael [Jordan], they would play 10 times, just to let people know who the best is," Holloway said. "That's the mentality I strive for. If you want to run it back 100 times, we can do it. I'm gonna show you I'm the better guy. I don't know what kind of mentality [Volkanovski] has, but I know what I want to do and what kind of legacy I want to leave.

"This guy is sitting at a place that's not right with me. I don't feel like it's right. Are we gonna fight again? It's up to him. If I had it my way, I'll fight you 10 times in one night, 10 times once a month. I'm a competitor. I need to compete. I truly believe I was put on this earth to fight and compete.”

Holloway is slated to return to action in the main event of UFC Fight Night 184 on Jan. 16.