Max Holloway is set to face Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 326, revisiting their original encounter from 2015, where Holloway secured a victory over the Brazilian fighter. This time, the bout carries more weight as the BMF title is on the line, with Holloway aiming to defend his championship and plan his future in the sport.
In a recent interview with Brett Okamoto of ESPN, Holloway was questioned about his intentions following the fight and whether a matchup against Conor McGregor might be next if he emerges victorious.
Holloway Responds to Potential Bout with McGregor
Despite McGregor being inactive since 2021 due to injury, Holloway did not dismiss the possibility of facing the Irish star in the near future. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge before speculating on upcoming fights.
“Yeah, it should happen, you know, but first things first…people talk about the future but can’t see the fight in front of them and they fall straight on their a**. At the end of the day, Charles is a killer, he deserves and is getting all my respect and all my attention.” – Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
Holloway acknowledged the danger Oliveira poses and the respect he holds for his opponent as he prepares for this crucial contest.
Exploring Other Future Opportunities After Oliveira
Beyond the immediate rematch, Holloway revealed that numerous opportunities await him in his weight division. He referenced his past experiences with interim and undisputed titles and revisited the idea of challenging McGregor, highlighting the unique standing of the BMF title he currently holds.
“After this, brother, there is so much. I have a history with the interim title in our weight class, history with the undisputed title holder in our weight class and then you said, Conor McGregor, I have the BMF title, you know, and the last time I checked, the BMF title was at 170 before, so, we will see what happens. I just gotta go up there and make a moment.” – Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
The comments underline Holloway’s confidence and openness to challenging multiple contenders or champions in his path forward.
Holloway Aims to Create a Defining Moment Like UFC 300
Reflecting on his past performances, Holloway expressed a desire to replicate the unforgettable moments he created during his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, recognizing the significance of memorable wins in shaping his legacy.
“Imagine a 300 moment all over again, holy s***, you know what I mean? The world is ours. I am going to go out there to make a moment and try to show everybody who I am…and go out there, get my hand raised.” – Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
This outlook shows Holloway’s ambition not only to win but to leave a lasting impression on the sport and its fans.
Background on Holloway and McGregor’s Early UFC History
Max Holloway and Conor McGregor, both marquee names in mixed martial arts, first met early in their UFC careers in 2013 at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen. McGregor was victorious in that initial matchup, but both fighters have developed illustrious careers since then.
McGregor has achieved status as a two-division UFC champion, while Holloway remains a dominant force in the featherweight division, currently holding the BMF belt and being regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in the sport’s history.
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