Max Holloway V Jose Aldo Preview : Can Aldo get revenge?

Last Updated : 26th November, 2017 By Alex M

VENUE

Little Caesars Arena

TIME

03:00

BROADCAST

BT Sport

See Stats

Once upon a time, Jose Aldo ruled the UFC featherweight division with an iron fist. His initial reign as champion lasted nearly five years and he suffered his first loss in 10 years altogether. Holloway ended Aldo's second reign as champion earlier this year with a third round knockout and he hasn't lost since also losing to McGregor back in 2013. At UFC 218, these two men look to definitively say who is the king of the featherweight division.

Odds of 16/1 are available with Paddy Power for Aldo to win via submission (£20 free bet)

Aldo's journey

Aldo was unbeaten in 18 fights over a 10-year span before Conor McGregor turned his lights out inside 13 seconds. He is often regarded as the greatest featherweight of all-time and more than that he has been in the conversation for the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world over the course of several years. A pedigree like that doesn't come easy, but his fall from grace since the McGregor loss is hard for MMA purists to believe. Although he would defeat Frankie Edgar via unanimous decision to regain the title he lost in his next fight, a loss fo Holloway followed a year later and at 31-years-old with his hunger seemingly diminishing - he once said he wouldn't fight again if he didn't get a rematch with McGregor - a loss in another big title fight could cause Aldo to turn his back on the UFC. Aldo will bring his kickboxing and Muay Thai skills to the dance against Holloway, that's for sure.

Get odds of 5/2 with William Hill for Aldo to win (£30 free bet)

Blessed

The 25-year-old Holloway is on an 11-fight winning streak and it's hard to believe he hasn't even got into his prime yet. Although the majority of his victories come via punches or going the distance, Blessed has been known to clamp on a couple of guillotine chokes in his time too, meaning Aldo might not have the submission advantage that many would assume. It cannot be understated how proficient Holloway is in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the latter of which Aldo is himself a black-belt in. It makes for an intriguing dynamic inside the octagon, but Holloway's striking ability, as was proven last time, appears to be the difference maker. He's a good four inches taller than his foe, but Aldo has a slight reach advantage that normally keeps his attackers at bay. All Holloway needs is one big shot.

Betfair are offering odds of 3/10 for Holloway to win (£100 free bet)

FREEbets.org.uk Prediction

Aldo has the big fight experience and one could argue his veteran instincts will enable him to take this fight the distance and get the result he wants. It was a back-and-forth affair last time, but Holloway's added striking power is what separates these men and it will again.

Odds of 6/5 are available with Betfair for Holloway to win via KO or TKO (£100 free bet)