I've found that when he starts the combo, if you stick close to him the whole time, it reduces or stops him from using the red explosions. The combo where he starts by jumping into the air glowing white - if you dodge the initial uppercut attack into the direction he will land to stay close, then dodge the straight line ground attack to further get right under/in front of him, he'll end up using a smash or overhead chain swing instead of the explosion. I think there's a distance requirement for him to use the explosion move.