Max Holloway is entering what he describes as the best phase of his 14-year professional mixed martial arts career as he gets ready to defend his BMF title at UFC 326. The event takes place on March 7 in Las Vegas, featuring a headline bout between Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
The two fighters first faced off in 2015 inside the Octagon during Oliveira’s debut main event, where Holloway secured the victory. That fight ended controversially, with some fans criticizing Oliveira for appearing to quit.
Despite differing opinions on the BMF championship’s significance, Holloway and Oliveira stand out as two of the most deserving competitors to vie for the symbolic belt.
Holloway Shares How He’s Reached Peak Physical Condition Ahead of Rematch
Both Holloway and Oliveira have long tenures in the UFC, with 14 and 16 years respectively, and continue to perform at elite levels. Holloway, known as ‘Blessed,’ expresses that he feels physically stronger and healthier than ever before.
In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, Holloway said,
“I feel great, man. There’s so much science, I have Transparent Labs now, they keep my body in top shape, taking the right supplements, sleeping well, I do a bunch of other recovery stuff, this is the best I’ve ever felt.”
He elaborated on how his approach to recovery has improved with age:
“
When I was younger, I felt like this but no recovery, so, a little bit older now, you’ve got to be smart, take care of your body a bit more and just take the right steps to make it to the Octagon.
”
Reflecting on his early career, Holloway admitted he was less disciplined with his health at first. “
I learned a lot about my body over the years. When I was younger I could recover and take nothing, I had no sleep coming to workout, now I’ve got to get sleep, sleep is very important, supplements, vitamins all that is very important,
“he added. He also noted dietary changes, saying,”
And just eating well. Young Max, brother, I would eat McDonald’s, I’d eat whatever I wanted to eat, Taco Bell, now I eat those kinds of foods and I’m stuck in the bathroom for a while, I learned a lot.
“
Potential Impact of UFC Lightweight Division on Holloway’s Future
The UFC lightweight division is currently in an unusual state of flux. The reigning undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria, is expected to unify his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje. However, Topuria is also rumored to be considering a move to a higher weight class if he maintains his undefeated streak.
If Topuria vacates the lightweight championship, the title could become available, potentially offering a new opportunity for fighters like Holloway to compete for an undisputed championship.
Holloway’s expressed improved physical condition and extensive experience position him well to capitalize on such possibilities in the division’s future.
