THE scene is set for UFC featherweight king Alex Volkanovski to finally settle his rivalry with Max Holloway after the Hawaiian notched a victory over a game Yair Rodriguez on Sunday.
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Holloway was expected to make light work of the Mexican contender, but didn't have it all his own way despite finishing comfortably ahead on the final scorecards following a five-round war.
It was an impressive performance from Rodriguez, who'd spent two years out of the cage due to a combination of injuries and a doping sanction.
In the end he was overwhelmed by Holloway, who also showed his seldom-used grappling arsenal in the win to the tune of 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47 on the three cards.
Volkanovski is still basking in afterglow of his status-affirming win over Brian Ortega in September, the second defence of his title.
He already boasts a 2-0 ledger against Holloway, whom he dethroned to claim the belt in December 2019.
It was a comfortable victory on that occasion, but their second meeting was far closer, the Aussie edging it on the scorecards by a razor-thin decision.
Read more: Volkanovski swings rivalry pendulum his way
It's seen clamour for a trilogy fight between two men regarded by many as the two best 145-pounders to ever do it in the UFC.
Holloway has also flirted with a tilt at the 155-pound belt and a second fight with Conor McGregor, which would be a sure-fire box office hit.
McGregor is currently on the comeback trail from a horrendously broken ankle in his last bout with Dustin Poirier, who will challenge Charles Oliveira for the lightweight strap next month.
Volkanovski has also been pitched as a contender at 155 pounds, with the two divisions some of the most stacked in the game.
Holloway said all were options for him when quizzed post fight.
"We'll see what happens," Holloway said.
"The UFC [match-maker] Shawn [Shelby], that's their job. I've got a win over the 155-pound champion (Oliviera), we've got Alex and stuff.
"I'm on the shortlist for Conor McGregor... we ready whenever. To be the best you got to beat the best and the best is 'Blessed', they can come after me baby let's get it."
UFC president Dana White left little doubt as to his feelings, saying Volkanovski-Holloway III was the logical next fight.
"It's one of those things - it was razor thin, (Holloway) just comes in and puts on a performance like this," White said post-fight.
"This is just a guy that Volkanovski's going to have to just him out of the way and do it again.
""I don't know what's next for Max, but it does make sense to see him and Volkanovski again. Conor's not even - Conor's still hurt.
"To even talk about Conor is silly."
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Mitch Jennings
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
