Volkanovski: I can beat Holloway by finish or decision

Alexander Volkanovski can see his fight against Max Holloway going several different ways.

The UFC featherweight contender, who'll challenge Holloway for the title in the UFC 245 co-main event Saturday, insists there is a good chance he dominates "Blessed" with his wrestling en route to a decision win.

"I can see myself going out there and absolutely controlling him and really having my way with him and people being like, 'Man, Max had no chance,'" Volkanovski said at media day Thursday in Las Vegas. "I don't mean that disrespectfully, I just mean the game, the styles, and where I'm at right now.

"I can see myself getting my hand raised from a decision, just purely because of how tough he is and how game we both are. So I can say going into it that I'm prepared for five rounds of war."

But Volkanovski also said he won't be surprised if he finishes the Hawaiian champion despite his toughness.

"I'm giving him enough respect where I can see him really trying to use his game and trying to pour it on. And then I can see myself finishing him because he's gonna really try to pour it on me, and that's going to put him in a dangerous position where I can finish him," the Australian said.

Volkanovski, who's riding a 17-fight winning streak entering his first UFC title bout, is known for his strength and control on the ground. He is 7-0 in the promotion and coming off a win over former champ Jose Aldo in May.

Holloway, who has held the title since June 2017, last defended it in July against Frankie Edgar.