Max is Only 31, Probably Will Be Champ Again Realistically

[Aurelian]

Based on what? If Volk didn’t exist, Max would still be the champ with like 10 defences. What exactly makes you think he’s out of prime?

It's possible to win fights while at the same time be declining as a fighter or not be at your peak anymore. Max is just that good of a fighter to keep winning.

 

[GOATtalks]

It's possible to win fights while at the same time be declining as a fighter or not be at your peak anymore. Max is just that good of a fighter to keep winning.

So he’s just destroying top5 guys who all are objectively better fighters than top5 guys 10 years ago, while becoming worse and worse each day? Totally makes sense

And once again, you like the other fools in this discussion haven’t come up with factual proof that Max is declining

 

[ColombianFist]

Champ again no.

There's illia in the No 3 spot and he's younger and still improving.

 

[Aurelian]

So he’s just destroying top5 guys who all are objectively better fighters than top5 guys 10 years ago, while becoming worse and worse each day? Totally makes sense

And once again, you like the other fools in this discussion haven’t come up with factual proof that Max is declining

You seem emotional. I'll bow out.

 

[Substance Abuse]

https://youtube.com/shorts/pRS_YRmRP6U?si=ED6ZonVse7D8WUQ_

No, not really. Only think that’s really changed is hairstyle, which makes him look worse. And maybe he’s a little less confident about himself as he isn’t the champion anymore

You're picking an interview where Max was thought to be concussed and comparing it to now. Thanks for proving my point.

Just look at the pre-fight from UFC 236. There's a difference.

 

[GOATtalks]

You're picking an interview where Max was thought to be concussed and comparing it to now. Thanks for proving my point.

Just look at the pre-fight from UFC 236. There's a difference.

Max was a bit down because of what happened back home, that’s why he seemed off in interviews this time around.

So your best argument is that he talks a bit different now? Bulletproof argumentation

Nothing from his in cage performances suggest that he’s losing a step. Max vs Volk 3, just showed how Volk keeps on improving at an incredible pace, nothing more

 

[Substance Abuse]

Max was a bit down because of what happened back home, that’s why he seemed off in interviews this time around.

So your best argument is that he talks a bit different now? Bulletproof argumentation

Nothing from his in cage performances suggest that he’s losing a step. Max vs Volk 3, just showed how Volk keeps on improving at an incredible pace, nothing more

No, that was an example of the damage he's taken, not the entirety of my perspective. That said, this thread is a perfect example of why it's worthless to engage you - you're insulting others who don't agree with you and you're either being disingenuous or you're not that smart. Not really worth the time with the Usyk fight up next. It is what it is.

 

[GOATtalks]

No, that was an example of the damage he's taken, not the entirety of my perspective. That said, this thread is a perfect example of why it's worthless to engage you - you're insulting others who don't agree with you and you're either being disingenuous or you're not that smart. Not really worth the time with the Usyk fight up next. It is what it is.

Exactly who did I insult and how?

I’m actually providing way more factual arguments, which disprove your point, yet the only thing you’ve come up with is you think he speaks a bit different now and that 100% is because of the damage he’s taken. That’s wishful thinking.

The facts are that he still has his technique, speed, power, chin and cardio and he’s still beating top5 guys consistently, so there’s no argument that he’s out of his prime whatsoever.

 

[blaseblase]

there’s no argument that he’s out of his prime whatsoever.

Of course there's an argument. You look foolish talking in absolutes.

 

[taugrim]

So he’s just destroying top5 guys who all are objectively better fighters than top5 guys 10 years ago, while becoming worse and worse each day? Totally makes sense

And once again, you like the other fools in this discussion haven’t come up with factual proof that Max is declining

There were plenty of people arguing before the Calvin, Yair, and Allen fights that Max was going to lose, Max was on the decline, blah blah blah.

And look how those fights turned out.

Max does have a ton of cage time and strikes absorbed over the years. HOWEVER, there are 3 very important things to consider in terms of career longevity:
1. he hasn't been on the receiving end of a brutal TKO / KO. A lot of fighters come back too soon from such fights and it just magnifies the brain trauma
2. he trains in a way to minimize wear-and-tear, the no sparring
3. he rolls with a lot of punches landed to his head and uses his feet to avoid eating long combos

I was concerned about how much damage he took in the 2nd Poirier fight, but he's looked fine after.

Sure, he will at some point slow down, but he's still in his prime. And his fight IQ and especially vision are exceptional.

 

[GOATtalks]

Of course there's an argument. You look foolish talking in absolutes.

Like what?

 

[RespectTheWarriors]

Max beat the brakes off Ortega - a guy known for last minute wins against not even the best competition back then.

Aldo a couple of times and once on short notice after losing the first round or two and using his ungodly chin and stamina against the smaller and maybe more talented fighter who couldn't run into a worse matchup.

Washed Edgar...

Who did "prime" Holloway beat that Holloway today couldn't beat?

 

[BluntForceTrama]

I think like Penn his deterioration will be considerable and accelerated

 

[Jibsta69]

I fully expect Max to start declining soon. I even think he’s already showing signs of decay. He has a lot of mileage. I always point to Rory MacDonald that fights mileage is real thing and won’t matter the age.

He’s not gonna get another title shot against Volk. He’s really just there for a young contender to beat him and be used as a stepping stone. When that will happen I don’t know, but he’s gonna have that moment unfortunately.

 

[Nightgunner05]

Nah he’s already peaked, and has taken too much damage.

 

[dildos]

Not at fw where volk rules supreme.

do you think he can get a belt at another weight??

 

[DestinedAussie]

If Volk retires or loses, Holloway will be right there, he’s way closer to it than anyone else in the division right now including Topuria. It’s way more realistic that Max gets a fourth Volk fight or wins the belt again than someone like Ilia winning it. I actually think people writing him off from being champ again is a little asinine. Volk could even retire and Max could easily get the belt back.

Only way Max gets near the belt is volk leaving division or retiring. I can't see the UFC doing a 4th fight or volk accepting a 4th fight. Volk is about making money and I don't think the UFC pays a premium for that fight and is likely the most risky fight for volk.

 

[StonedLemur]

People acting like Max just beat KZ from a decade ago.

No but he did smack Allen around, a guy that a lot of people said would beat Max.

 

[HP_Nut]

I know VOLK looks better than ever but he is very old for FW, at his age for FW, he could decline dramatically within 1 yr even. No, I do not think Max should fight Volk again but it wouldn’t shock me if Volk retires or declines drastically soon & loses to Ilia or something

 

[StonedLemur]

I think max is starting to slow down imo. He is gona get cracked sooner or later that chin can’t hold up forever.

Condits chin held up, and he fought in kickboxing before MMA sir.