The BMF belt has certainly gained significance beyond its initial novelty. Shortly after Max Holloway secured the BMF title, becoming its third recipient, former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski admitted that the allure of the legacy belt could motivate him for a potential fourth fight against Holloway.
Speaking with Australian reporter Niko Pajarillo on Main Event TV alongside UFC lightweight Josh Culibao, Volkanovski hinted at the possibility of a rematch, fueled by Holloway’s recent BMF achievement.
Volkanovski reflected,
“Now that [Max Holloway] got the BMF, we might have to do this, you know what I mean?… I was always thinking like, ‘How could you do it?’ But maybe there is that something there… A BMF is something I haven’t touched before so maybe you can do that, you know?”
Volkanovski currently holds a 3-0 record against Holloway, with their most recent clash at UFC 276. Their rivalry began at UFC 245 when Volkanovski claimed the 145-pound belt and continued with a controversial split decision victory in their subsequent bout seven months later.
Meanwhile, Holloway has maintained an impressive streak post his last encounter with Volkanovski, securing notable wins over Arnold Allen, Chan Sung Jung, and Justin Gaethje. His recent victory against Gaethje at UFC 300 earned him the BMF belt, a moment that became the highlight of the event.
In another prediction, Volkanovski is backing his fellow Australian, Steve Erceg, for a triumph at UFC 301, where Erceg challenges for the flyweight title. Volkanovski expressed confidence in Erceg’s ability to seize opportunities during the fight, foreseeing a significant victory for the underdog.
Alex Volkanovski is backing Erceg to get the job done over Pantoja, saying there will be openings in the champions ‘sloppy’ and ‘careless’ style of fighting👀
🎥 YouTube / @MainEventTV #Australia #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/heaNoHldDH
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 1, 2024
Erceg, initially considered a substantial underdog, has seen the betting odds shift slightly in his favor as the event approaches. Pantoja, the defending champion at UFC 301, will strive to uphold his title on home turf, marking a notable Brazilian title defense since Deiveson Figueiredo’s bout at UFC 283.
