UFC No. 3 featherweight Max Holloway has done more than enough to warrant a title shot. Unfortunately, he fights in a division where the champion is Conor McGregor -- whose interests outside 145 pounds is causing a serious logjam at the top. So for now, he gets a difficult matchup against a fellow contender in Ricardo Lamas in a stay-busy bout.
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Max Holloway vs. Ricardo Lamas
ODDS COMING SOON
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ODDS ANALYSIS
Holloway is a healthy favorite as expected -- he’s on an eight-fight win streak that includes wins over quality fighters like Cub Swanson, Charles Swanson and Jeremy Stephens. What’s more, he’s looked more impressive each time out. It’s tough to believe that he’s just 24 years old and already a major contender. He’s poised to be a major contender for years to come.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
Holloway is at the forefront of a new generation of fighter: one without a specific background -- like Daniel Cormier in wrestling or Demian Maia in jiu-jitsu -- who grew up training in MMA as a discipline. And it’s apparent in his ability to do everything extremely well.
Striking is the foundation of Holloway’s style, and he’s as smooth as anyone in the game. He does not switch stances as a novelty -- the Hawaiian is equally comfortable fighting from either. The best part of his standup is his variety in all facets: “Blessed” will attack from low to high, can mix it up inside or attack from long range.
Holloway’s athleticism and takedown defense makes it extremely difficult to get him to the mat. But when it goes there, his lanky limbs allow him to snatch submissions opponents don’t see coming. Although he’s not particularly broad, nobody has been able to keep him on the ground for very long.
Lamas picked a fitting nickname in “The Bully”, as he is an exceptionally strong wrestler who loves a dirty clinch fight. Once he has an opponent against the fence, he immediately looks for the underhooks to wrestle opponents to the mat. From the top, he dishes out copious amounts of vicious ground-and-pound. While he doesn’t set up his submissions, he finds opportune moments to snatch a limb and crank it.
On the feet, Lamas has explosive power, but lacks the multi-layered technique of a true striker. He’ll fall in love with a single strike, setting up extended periods of inactivity. The Bully loves himself a good strong low kick, which is the only strike he throws with consistency.
BETTING VALUE AND PREDICTION
While Lamas has the right style to neutralize Holloway’s striking advantage, implementing a strong clinch game against the rangy Hawaiian is far easier said than done. Holloway’s speed and striking prowess will give him Lamas fits, and it’s hard to see The Bully do any actual bullying against a young, still-improving stud.
UFC odds: Max Holloway TKO Ricardo Lamas, Round 3
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