Max Holloway Plans to Fight at Featherweight and Lightweight
Featherweight legend Max Holloway is moving up a division to fight Justin Gaethje for the BMF Title at UFC 300. The move up to lightweight will not be permanent, however. In the future, Holloway expects to jump between featherweight and lightweight.
Holloway discussed his future in an interview with Kevin Iole. (All quotes via MMA Junkie.)
“Justin Gaethje looked like he needed a dance partner since Oliveira and Islam was booked at the time, and just threw my name in the hat,” Holloway said. “The BMF belt is great. Being right there at 55, being that 55 weight class is right there, only 10 pounds away from 45, I can do both classes. Why not throw my name in the hat?”
Holloway is at a highly unique point in his career. The former featherweight champion has been unable to defeat current champion Alexander Volkanovski, but he has been sensational against the rest of the division. After three losses to Volkanovski, it is difficult to land another title shot. Thankfully for Holloway, lightweight provides him with fresh matchups and intriguing opportunities.
If Holloway gets past Gaethje at UFC 300, he will be set up for massive opportunities in the lightweight division. It would not be a shock for him to get a fight against another big name or opponent that could help him work towards the lightweight title.
It is important to note that Holloway is not abandoning the featherweight division. First, it provides clarity on potentially bulking for a lightweight fight. Additionally, it has serious consequences for the featherweight division as Holloway is deeply ingrained in title talks.
“Oliveira and Islam was booked, I just came off a big win with ‘Korean Zombie,’ and then the 45 title was booked too at the same time,” Holloway said. “So, he had the BMF belt and I like options. At 45, I think the next step for me is back for the title. We was being undeniable. We had that third fight with Volk. I had to go fight Arnold. We did that. They gave me the fight against Korean Zombie over out in Asia, and that was a fun one. We did that, and what’s next is a title shot, we was thinking. They went a different way, and in this sport, having options is great.”
In all likelihood, a fourth fight with Volkanovski is not on the top of the UFC’s wish list. However, if Illia Topuria defeats the featherweight champion at UFC 298, a title defense against Holloway may be appealing. With that in mind, it makes sense for Holloway not to close the door on the featherweight division.
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