Max Holloway has made it clear that his ambitions at light-weight prolong past only one huge‑identify struggle. In current feedback, he laid out a brief checklist of potential matchups at 155 kilos whereas nonetheless holding the BMF title he gained from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, all of which preserve him within the dialog as a crossover draw and a legit menace to the UFC’s high light-weight image.
Max Holloway Desires McGregor Rematch and Makhachev Bout at Light-weight
Talking with Stake, ‘Blessed’ Max Hollooway defined:
“I need Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev at Light-weight. The belt is certainly the purpose, however I even have the BMF title, which I’m tremendous pleased with, and it opens up a number of actually fascinating fights. Then we have now a sure Conor McGregor eager to make his return to the cage. You realize, I’d be mendacity if I stated I wouldn’t take that struggle – it’s Conor McGregor, man, it’s a must to take that struggle.
“We clearly have our historical past, and I believe it will be nice at The White Home. One other one I had historical past with is Khabib. You realize, he’s retired, however I really feel like Islam is a part of that staff, and I’d like a shot at Islam as properly. I believe we’re in a very nice place with some thrilling fights forward.”
Holloway’s path again to the light-weight dialog began with a 15‑spherical‑fashion warfare towards Dustin Poirier in 2018, a bout the place he moved up on quick discover and went 5 rounds with the then‑title contender, later admitting he was not in the precise form for 155 kilos. Forward of UFC 300, he spoke in regards to the time he spent making ready his physique for 155, saying he was cautious to not add an excessive amount of bulk so he might preserve the pace that defines his fashion at featherweight. That very same struggle‑night time at UFC 300, Holloway dug deep towards Justin Gaethje, lasted 25 minutes, and snatched the BMF belt with a 1‑second‑remaining knockout that immediately grew to become one of the crucial replayed finishes of the 12 months.
The BMF title has now change into a key a part of his narrative. Holloway has identified that the belt is not only a gimmick; it carries weight within the room as a result of it tends to take a seat across the waists of fighters followers regard because the division’s most harmful and entertaining choices. He has stated he likes the percentages of defending that belt, even on a UFC White Home‑fashion card, and has floated the concept of a matchup towards a high light-weight from the higher tier of the division, resembling Charles Oliveira, as a subsequent step.
The Conor McGregor angle runs again to 2013, when a youthful Holloway met a rising McGregor in a 3‑spherical bout that ended with McGregor successful by resolution. Each males have since change into champions and pay‑per‑view attracts, however they by no means lined up for a rematch. Holloway has made it clear that he wouldn’t flip down a second date with McGregor, particularly if it might occur at light-weight and with the BMF belt on the road. He has additionally stated that with McGregor’s official return, the matchup could be one of many greatest within the sport, even when it isn’t a division‑championship struggle.
The Makhachev connection ties again to the Khabib Nurmagomedov period. Holloway has beforehand referenced Islam as “Khabib 2.0,” acknowledging that Makhachev represents the core of the identical Dagestani staff that after dominated the division. Holloway has admitted that Makhachev didn’t wish to struggle him at sure factors, even when Holloway was overtly speaking about shifting as much as 155, however he has stated Makhachev’s tone in regards to the matchup has shifted in current conversations. A struggle with Makhachev would put Holloway in line for a real light-weight title bout, whereas additionally serving as a legacy‑fashion take a look at towards essentially the most technically sound grappler within the division.
In short, Holloway is positioning himself as a bridge between the featherweight and lightweight worlds. He still views the UFC 155‑pound title as the main goal, but he plans to use the BMF belt, his history with Conor McGregor, and the Khabib–Makhachev narrative to stay in the spotlight while he waits for the right matchup and timing.
