Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway fought three times for the UFC featherweight title, and Volkanovski won all three: a unanimous decision to take the belt in 2019, a disputed split decision on Fight Island in 2020 and a clear 50–45 sweep in 2022.
Holloway was the champion when they met, and he has remained one of the UFC's most popular fighters, later winning the BMF title. This page covers all three fights, the context around each, a statistical comparison and our verdict.
Head-to-head record
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway: Volkanovski 3–0. Every big-event meeting between the two, oldest first.
| # | Date | Event | Venue | Match | Result | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 14, 2019 | UFC 245 | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas | UFC featherweight title | Alexander Volkanovski won | Unanimous decision |
| 2 | Jul 12, 2020 | UFC 251 | Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | UFC featherweight title | Alexander Volkanovski won | Split decision (47–48, 48–47, 48–47) |
| 3 | Jul 2, 2022 | UFC 276 | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas | UFC featherweight title | Alexander Volkanovski won | Unanimous decision (50–45 ×3) |
Every match: our commentary
UFC 245 · Dec 14, 2019
Volkanovski chopped at Holloway's lead leg with low kicks from the first round and kept Holloway from building his usual volume. Holloway came on in the later rounds but Volkanovski won the title on all three cards.
UFC 251 · Jul 12, 2020
Holloway came out sharper, knocking Volkanovski down twice in the second round and winning the early rounds clearly. Volkanovski adjusted, pressured and out-landed Holloway late. Two judges gave him the fight; many observers, including UFC president Dana White, said they thought Holloway won.
UFC 276 · Jul 2, 2022
There was no debate the third time. Volkanovski beat Holloway to the punch all night, opened cuts on his face and won every round on every card.
The backstory
There was little bad blood. The rivalry was about the featherweight crown: Holloway had been one of the division's best champions ever, and Volkanovski had to beat him three times to convince doubters after the controversial second fight.
After the trilogy, Volkanovski lost twice to Islam Makhachev at lightweight and the featherweight title to Ilia Topuria, then regained the vacant featherweight title against Diego Lopes in April 2025. Holloway won the BMF title with a last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in 2024.
Tale of the tape
| Alexander Volkanovski | Max Holloway | |
|---|---|---|
| Height / reach | 5 ft 6 in · 71.5 in | 5 ft 11 in · 69 in |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Background | Former rugby league player, Greco-Roman wrestler | Boxing-based volume striker |
| UFC titles | Featherweight champion (two reigns) | Featherweight champion, BMF champion |
| Record after UFC 276 | 24–1 | 23–7 |
By the numbers
| Head-to-head stat | Alexander Volkanovski | Max Holloway |
|---|---|---|
| Wins vs. each other | 3 | 0 |
| Rounds won (judges' consensus) | Most of 15 | 2–3 (mostly in UFC 251) |
| Knockdowns in the series | 0 | 2 (UFC 251) |
How fans and critics reacted
UFC 251's split decision was the most disputed title result of 2020, and it made a third fight inevitable. UFC 276 ended the debate.
Holloway's popularity grew through the trilogy rather than shrinking, which is unusual for a fighter who lost three times to the same man.
Our take
Volkanovski, 3–0. Even if you score the second fight for Holloway, as many people did, the third was a shutout and the first a clear win.
Our view: this is the best example in recent UFC history of a challenger solving a great champion and then proving it twice more.
Our verdict: Alexander Volkanovski.
FAQ
How many times did Volkanovski beat Holloway?
Three times, all for the UFC featherweight title: UFC 245 (2019), UFC 251 (2020) and UFC 276 (2022).
Was Volkanovski vs. Holloway 2 a robbery?
It was a split decision that many observers, including Dana White, thought Holloway won. Volkanovski won the third fight 50–45 on all cards.
More rivalries
Sources: Wikipedia: UFC 245 · Wikipedia: UFC 251 · Wikipedia: UFC 276. Facts verified Oct 18, 2026.