Josh Emmett believes the stakes are high for the UFC 276 co-main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
In the co-main event on Saturday, Volkanovski and Holloway are set to have their highly-anticipated trilogy bout as Volkanovski looks to defend his title again. The two first met at UFC 245 where Volkanovski clearly won to become the new champ but in the immediate rematch, it was much closer. Volkanovski edged out the win with a split decision.
Is Volkanovski the Greatest UFC Featherweight Ever?
Now, ahead of the trilogy bout, Emmett says if Volkanovski defeats Holloway again, it cements the Aussie as the greatest featherweight ever.
“Yeah, how can it not?,” Emmett told MMA Junkie. “He’s beat Aldo, and Max Holloway has beat Aldo a few times, and then if Volkanovski beats Max three times – I mean, look at the guys he’s fought. He fought my teammate Chad Mendes, and he continues to get better and better. How can you argue against that, you know what I mean?”
𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕿𝖗𝖎𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖞 𝖆𝖜𝖆𝖎𝖙𝖘 👑
[ #UFC276 | #UFCFightWeek | Saturday | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/f2ejdXxGz3 ] pic.twitter.com/a4Gosz0Mex
— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2022
Although some may think Jose Aldo is still the featherweight GOAT, there is no question Alexander Volkanovski is closing the gap. But, defeating Holloway will be easier said than done, but for Emmett, he does think the champ retains his belt again.
“It’s hard for me to go against the champion,” Emmett said. “It’s hard for me to pick against the champion that is also in a 20-plus fight winning streak, somebody that’s undefeated in the UFC and has beaten all these legends and all-time greats and continues to impress and get better and better. I can see it going either way, but I’m leaning towards the champion Volkanovski. I believe he got the job done twice, and I think he’s going to do so again.”
What is Next for Volkanovski in the UFC?
If Volkanovski defeats Holloway on Saturday, he could fight for the vacant lightweight title but the hope for Emmett is he gets his crack at the champ.
“I do feel that fight was a title eliminator,” Emmett said when asked about his win over Kattar. “I know it was. That was a No. 1 contender spot. … I feel like regardless, I’m fighting the winner of that next fight on July 2. That’s the only fight to make. I’m the only one that hasn’t fought the top of the division, and I’ve been ready all of my career.”
