Don’t count the Blessed Express out just because he lost back to back against Alexander Volkanovski. The fight ended in a close controversial decision but it does not make sense to give him the third match where he lost two straight on paper. It would be unfair to the other featherweight contenders who are waiting for the title shot.
Holloway is scheduled to fight Calvin Kattar, a rising prospect who is known to have high-level boxing. Unlike Holloway’s volume striking, Kattar is more on accuracy and power where he can knock out his opponent with a lightning combo. The fight is going to be fireworks as it is likely that both fighters will choose to stand-up rather than grapple.
If Holloway gets the win here in an impressive fashion, he could potentially fight for the belt again. The same situation goes for Kattar, a win against the former champion would grant him a title shot. The timing is actually better for Holloway since the top 5 featherweight contenders are inactive right now.
Why? Because Chan Sung Jung just lost to Brian Ortega in a one-sided decision so he cannot fight for the belt. Zabit Magomedsharipov and Yair Rodriguez are supposed to fight but was canceled due to Yair’s issues with the UFC, had the fight happen it would make sense that the winner will fight for the belt next.
Holloway is still in his prime and has not shown of slowing down. He is coming to the fight as the younger fighter, which is insane considering he has defended his belt numerous times and a big name in the division. He dethroned Jose Aldo and beat him twice, after that he went on to give Ortega a brutal beating as well where he was the underdog.
If Holloway is unsuccessful in his second title run, he could move up and fight for the lightweight belt. He is actually a big featherweight and moving up could make his performance better because he cuts less weight come fight night. He has fought once against Dustin Poirier but lost the fight. In his defense, it was his first fight and it was against a top contender, and he also had moments where he almost submitted Poirier.
