Former UFC champion wonders whether "time is catching up" with Max Holloway
Daniel Cormier has weighed in on the announcement that former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway will be fighting rising contender Arnold Allen on April 15.
During ESPN's DC & RC show, Cormier addressed the matchmaking in the featherweight division and spoke about Holloway's status in the always-stacked weight class.
He questioned how long the former champion will be able to compete against young contenders knowing that he is unlikely to receive a title shot while Alexander Volkanovski is on the throne.
The former champ-champ said:
"I think it'll be a fun fight. It'll be amazing. But my worry as a friend, 'RC', is how long can Max Holloway just keep batting off these hungry young lions? How long can he fight these guys that are so good and so young, and continue to stop them? Because at some point, time catches up to all us, and I wonder how long before my buddy starts to slow down."
'DC' added that there's another mindset now for 'Blessed'. That's because he has to come to terms with not competing for a championship and instead facing Allen, who is hungry for that same experience.
He mentioned that the former champion is in a position where he once again has to prove that he belongs in the title picture:
"He's had to accept that right now... He's not the best featherweight in the world because Alexander [Volkanovski] has beaten him three times. But he has to go out now and fight a guy that hasn't been where he's been. So the focus has to be as dialed in as it was going into those championship fights if not more."
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Daniel Cormier hopes Max Holloway will train with him
Daniel Cormier and Max Holloway have had hilarious exchanges throughout the years, with the former featherweight champion jokingly calling out 'DC' to fight for the 'Daddest Man on the Planet' title.
During the same episode of DC & RC, Cormier mentioned that he hopes his friend will train with him as he prepares to fight Arnold Allen, who has ascended the featherweight rankings with a lengthy win streak.
He said:
"Obviously, he made those adjustments but I just wonder how long 'till those kids start to become so difficult. Max Holloway is going to be ready, he's going to be prepared. We talked about him coming up here to train with me a little bit. I hope he still does that. I'm excited about the Arnold Allen fight."
HUGE MAIN EVENT ADDED
Arnold Allen vs Max Holloway
April 15 | 5 Rounds | TBD Location https://t.co/eQXxTtC294