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Thread: Max Holloway & death by a thousand threats
Holloway is known as the volume guy - and a big reason why lies in his offensive variety. When you watch him, pay attention to how many of his combinations employ similar telegraph, yet can easily convert into something else.
1/8
Holloway is known as the volume guy - and a big reason why lies in his offensive variety. When you watch him, pay attention to how many of his combinations employ similar telegraph, yet can easily convert into something else.
1/8
The cornerstone of Holloway's offensive potential is his lead hand, often leading with a jab. Because he employs so many uncommitted shots mixed with actually-dangerous punches, he's threatening engagements constantly - and can back it up too.
2/8
2/8
What makes Holloway even more potent, however, is being the most vicious body operator in the entire sport. If you feed Holloway an opening downstairs, he's sure to exploit it - if not, he'll find ways there. Working between body/head opens either up.
3/8
3/8
What's understated is Holloway's constant upper body feints being employed with his constant output - you'll notice him constantly taking uncommitted half-steps or dipping his posture down. He'll often be doing this whether or he's throwing or not.
4/8
4/8
With this endless stream of output, Holloway gets quite a bit of input to gauge his opponent's defensive responses and will alter his strike selection accordingly. You'll often see him employ his combinations starting the same way, but w/ a new trajectory:
5/8
5/8
In the case of Calvin Kattar, Kattar's default cover up is a high guard shell. Although this protects his head, Kattar's lack of upper body movement as he resets/moves back makes his body an easy target. And who tears ribs up worse than Holloway to open the head up?
6/8
6/8
Let's use this one as a review: When Kattar steps forward, Max threatens counters. When Kattar backs off, body jab. Then Holloway fakes a jab upstairs to hit a straight. Another uncommitted jab draws the guard, the right hand gets parried, but the body is open for a hook.
7/8
7/8
As far as combination depth lies, Holloway may well be the finest in MMA. His sheer variety, combined with his insane physical advantages (durability, endurance), makes him a nightmare. Beating him means either to make him think or back off. Very few can do one or both.
8/8
8/8
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