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Alexander Volkanovski adamant 'Blessed Era' ends for Max Holloway at UFC 245

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Alexander Volkanovski has long believed he’s a stylistic nightmare for UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway. Now he’ll have the chance to prove it.

Volkanovski (20-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) challenges for Holloway’s (21-4 MMA, 17-4 UFC) belt at UFC 245 on Dec. 14 in Las Vegas. He brings a 17-fight winning streak into the matchup, and he intends to extend that run as he takes the Hawaiian’s strap.

No one in the UFC has yet been able to solve what Volkanovski brings to the table. His combination of power and pace has caused fits for everyone, and “The Great” said nothing will be different against Holloway.

“Fighting someone like Max Holloway, nothing but respect, he’s a great champion, but I’ve got to do my thing,” Volkanovski said during a recent UFC 245 news conference. “I think, ‘The Blessed Era’ ends. It’s my time.”

Volkanovski, 31, said he’s steadfast on his goal to carry the UFC’s 145-pound belt. He’s not sure it means as much to Holloway, who’s already had a one-fight stop off in the lightweight division during his reign as champion.

If Holloway is keen to explore other weight classes, Volkanovski said he will gladly send him packing.

“Obviously I know he’s a big boy,” Volkanovski said. “Nothing but respect. I’m a nice guy so I can see he cuts a lot of weight. I’ll make that decision easier for him by taking that belt and then he can move up.”

For Volkanovski, winning the UFC belt is much more than just a personal accomplishment, he said. He also wants to become the first Australian-born fighter to hold a UFC championship.

“It would mean a lot,” Volkanovski said. “It would mean everything to me. I’m spending time away from my family, that’s my motivation. I can’t wait to take that belt back home.”

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