What does Max have to offer that Barboza didn’t?

[BoD 2.0]

Much better boxing. Because of his boxing, he maintains distance much better. He may be physically stronger also. Better chin. More confidence. Has never been knocked out by a jab.

 

[ArtemV]

Holloway has some really nice footwork and is a great counter striker - doesn't allow himself to be backed against the cage. Neither are really good grapplers though, sure Holloway has got some nice submissions now and then - but they haven't fought really strong wrestlers other than Khabib.

 

[RemyR]

Relentless pacing, better hands. If Max does win it’ll be after taking a hellacious ass kicking though.

 

[Ozze]

Minus power.

 

[chinarice]

Name one fighter who has dealt with Khabib’s pressure. And let’s not forget Barboza had Ferguson (who has good pressure) in trouble up until the eye pokes.

He had Tony in trouble? lol that never happened. Tony was there at least equal to Edson until Tony wrecked him.

 

[TomTomNT]

if you ask a Max fan, they will tell u because max doesn't kick he will win this fight cuz he wont get taken down and also somehow come alive in the 4th and 5th rounds because of his cardio, even if hes the one getting pounded for 4-5 rounds on the ground and if he makes it past the 1st of that pounding, to me its delusional but lets go

 

[Islam Imamate]

Max Holloway offers worse takedown defense (Conor - an irish striker took him down at will), far inferior striking, no jiu-jitsu or submission game whatsover (Dustin Porier tapped him out), and a less developed/lankier frame for Khabib to takedown

but he does offer heart and balls the size of which none of us have

does that answer the question?

 

[mmacasualviewer]

Victories over guys higher ranked than Cerrone.

 

[LittleSmokey]

Look at guys like Edson and Michael Johnson.. Khabib slaughtered these guys looking completely lost, surprised and stupid.. Khabib made them amateurs.. Max is gonna regret this decision big time. He cares about his legacy and this might be the beginning of the end. Ortega will capitalize on the FW belt with more confidence.

 

[mmacasualviewer]

Check Chin Knee Ya.

Khabib doesn't have wrestling & boxing moves like Pico.

 

[Brit_Brawler]

He has far superior boxing to Edson for a start

 

[blaseblah]

Barboza sucks against wrestlers. This has been a staple of his career.

So yeah....

Not to diminish Khabib's amazing run but it seems like after the Barboza fight everyone decided Khabib could take literally anyone down at will and then they acted all shocked in his next fight when Al managed to stuff a few takedowns.

 

[krelianx]

We all saw how the fight with Edson Barboza went and IMO Barboza holds a superior skill set on the feet and on the ground. Only thing I can say Max has over Edson is heart but that’s only gonna prolong his destruction. At least we will get some more witty comments during the ground and pound from Khabib.

He's a counter long striker. Barboza is more offensive MT.