Beneil Dariush Breaks Down Why Max Holloway’s Unique Cardio and Volume Could Give Islam Makhachev Trouble in the Octagon

Beneil Dariush believes Max Holloway’s unique style could give Islam Makhachev a tough fight in the octagon.

Beneil Dariush
Beneil Dariush - Image credit @islam_makhachev @blessedmma Instagram @MMAonSiriusXM X.com

Islam Makhachev’s reign in the UFC lightweight division has been nothing short of dominant. With a series of dominant victories, including his recent submission win over Renato Moicano, Makhachev has firmly cemented himself as one of the sport’s elite fighters. But one fighter who could potentially give Makhachev a tough time is Max Holloway, according to UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush.

Could Holloway’s Style Throw Makhachev Off?

Dariush recently spoke on SiriusXM Fight Nation’s “MMA Today” and explained why Holloway could be a real challenge for Makhachev.

“You know who would be interesting? Max Holloway,” Dariush said. “I think Max Holloway could be an interesting fight for Makhachev because he’s hard to hold, he has excellent cardio, and he throws a lot of volume, and I think these are things that could be difficult for Makhachev.”

Dariush’s comments reflect Holloway’s ability to press forward in every fight with relentless pressure and an unyielding pace. Holloway’s exceptional cardio is one of the key aspects that Dariush believes would work against Makhachev.

Holloway’s Stamina Could Be a Key Factor

What really sets Holloway apart is his conditioning. Even in the later rounds of his toughest battles, Holloway’s stamina keeps him at a high level of performance.

“Then, interestingly enough, if you watch the fight with Merab [Dvalishvili], he has excellent cardio and he was able to do so much with that excellent cardio,” Dariush pointed out, referencing another fighter known for his non-stop pace.

Dariush continued to emphasize that Holloway’s conditioning could be a deciding factor in a potential fight with Makhachev: “I don’t remember the last time I saw Holloway in the fourth and fifth round and he’s slowing down.”

Will Holloway’s Striking Be Enough Against Makhachev?

Despite Holloway’s recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, Dariush believes that Holloway’s striking and cardio would still give Makhachev trouble. Holloway’s unique style of high-volume strikes, combined with his incredible endurance, could make for a tough battle against Makhachev, whose specialty lies in controlling opponents on the ground.

“I think he has something similar,” Dariush added, continuing his assessment of Holloway’s endurance and why it could be challenging for Makhachev to keep up with him in a fight.

While there’s no confirmation yet that Holloway and Makhachev will face off, Dariush’s analysis has sparked interest among fans. With Holloway’s ability to avoid takedowns and maintain a relentless pace, he could give Makhachev a fight that’s unlike anything he’s experienced before.

Fans are eagerly anticipating whether this fight will become a reality, with Dariush’s take offering an intriguing perspective on how it might unfold.

Published on January 25, 2025 at 11:08 am
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