Max Holloway Series: Balance and Volume (1)

Max “Blessed” Holloway is arguably the most likeable fighter on the planet. His heart, dedication, and respectful personality has made him one of the biggest fan-favorites in the planet. Of course, we are no exception: despite KOing the Korean fan favorite Korean Zombie, Max Holloway will remain Sumin’s favorite featherweight fighter. In honor of his next fight against Justin Gaethje (a BANGER FIGHT!), we decided to create a series expanding on Holloway’s greatness. (Our previous post about Max Holloway can be used as an introduction)

Max Holloway’s entire game revolves around continuous in-and-out movement, penetrating opponent’s vulnerable points/angles, while maintaining a high pace and volume akin to boxing.The key to making this possible lies in the exceptional balance of Holloway.

Here, balance refers not so much to the static concept found in gymnastics or balance beams but rather to the dynamic shifting of the center of gravity and weight transfer in combat situations. It’s about how smoothly, seamlessly, and error-free the movement and weight transfer occur in dynamic scenarios that arise in combat.

Max Holloway excels at moving throughout fights with great footwork, constantly finding better angles to land shots on his opponents while taking less damage himself, thanks to his superior balance in the upper and lower body. His excellent balance enables him to engage in mobile warfare utilizing light footwork and flexible upper body, allowing for precise control in distance and angle, facilitating a strategic boxing game. Boxing, where hitting only with the arms to the head and torso is allowed, may seem straightforward, but it’s a sport where physicality is crucial, especially emphasizing coordination, quick reflexes, and exceptional balance and rhythm.

Furthermore, a perfected southpaw-orthodox switch game goes beyond just standing in either a left or right stance and strategically leveraging momentary angular advantages. Its significance lies in the seamless transition of punching attacks flowing effortlessly between these two stances, without any sense of discomfort. Holloway’s ability to transition between stances can be utilized even at the top levels of UFC, showcasing remarkable coordination between hands and feet and impeccable balance.

With the freedom to transition stances and unleash a flurry of strikes while moving his head, Holloway can maintain stable attacks even amidst changing centers of gravity, effectively keeping himself out of harm’s way. His ability to control movements and maintain balance allows him to throw multiple strikes without compromising his position or risking being countered.

Conversely, fighters lacking in balance and movement control often find themselves collapsing under pressure, resorting to reckless forward lunges, leading to devastating knockouts. The reason why Holloway seldom gets knocked out is simple: unless he firmly secures the advantage, he never allows himself to overcommit recklessly. He always keeps his feet light and avoids unnecessary aggression and force in his attacks.

Consider the case of Kyoji Horiguchi, who is renowned for his exceptionally high KO power relative to his physique. Much like Kyoji, fighters with outstanding balance and weight transfer abilities, combined with a low and wide center of gravity and explosive footwork, can maximize the utilization of their strong power in lightning-fast striking forms.

Kyoji’s ability to generate tremendous KO power despite his small stature stems from not only his agility but also his exceptional balance, enabling him to deliver power punches seamlessly. This style of execution and punch operation can be attributed to his MMA mentor, the late Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, who was known for his similar approach. By incorporating elements such as slow starting phases, frequent feints, and a high density of accumulated punches, fighters can pivot their fighting style towards that of Holloway, characterized by fluid movement and high punch volume.

This showcases how balance plays a crucial role in dictating different fighting styles, whether it’s delivering explosive power shots like Kyoji Horiguchi or adopting the versatile and high-volume approach seen in fighters like Holloway.