Max Holloway Brushes Aside Charles Oliveira Loss with Example of Landing Conor McGregor Money Fight

Max Holloway discuss how the UFC matchmaking process works as Charles Oliveira fails to land the lucrative Conor McGregor fight.

Max Holloway Brushes Aside Charles Oliveira Loss with Example of Landing Conor McGregor Money Fight

Max Holloway is focused on Conor McGregor and has put the loss to Charles Oliveira behind him (Image via Imago/BBC)

Max Holloway suffered an embarrassing defeat at UFC 326 when he defended his BMF title against Charles Oliveira. The Hawaiian fighter couldn’t get off his back after Oliveira’s takedowns and ground control. Eventually, he lost a lopsided decision that put him in an uncomfortable position.

At that time, fans wondered what’s next for Holloway. After all, he needed another winning streak to compete for the lightweight title. However, a lucrative opportunity awaited him in the form of a rematch against Conor McGregor.

Ahead of UFC 329, the Hawaiian superstar discussed his loss to Oliveira. Holloway didn’t trash the Brazilian for approaching the BMF title fight with a grappling-heavy strategy. However, he also pointed out that such a strategy cost Oliveira in the long run.

You can’t be mad at Charles… it doesn’t line up with the [BMF] belt, but it’s still a fight. In my mind, when I think of BMF I think of certain fights. That wasn’t the fight we got. It proves a point, in the UFC it’s not even [about] winning in this sport. How much times do we see a guy win and they don’t get certain opportunities. You gotta win, but you gotta win exciting. We’re in the entertainment business.

Max Holloway told ESPN MMA

In recent times, many fans have pointed out that the promotion wants entertainment to be focal point of the company. This was seen when Movsar Evloev and Nassourdine Imavov lost their chance to fight for the title in 2026 despite having a lengthy winning streak. Instead, Diego Lopes and Sean Strickland got the title shot due to the entertainment aspect they bring in.

Similarly, Charles Oliveira lost the opportunity to fight McGregor due to his grappling-heavy approach. UFC legend and commentator, Daniel Cormier, recently confirmed that Oliveira’s approach was why he didn’t get the chance to finally battle McGregor. He has called out the Irishman for years, but it hasn’t materialized so far.

Holloway’s style of always keeping the bout in a striking flow appears more favorable to the casual crowd. This was why the Hawaiian superstar was chosen to be the opponent for McGregor’s return to the octagon after five years.

Cormier felt that having ‘The Notorious’ return and get grappled by Oliveira was not great compared to the striking battle that Holloway can bring in from a business point of view.

This is why Holloway alluded to the cruel nature of MMA, where winners lose out on opportunities due to the lack of an exciting fighting style.

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Conor McGregor gets praised for talking about addiction by Max Holloway

The build up to the McGregor vs Holloway rematch at UFC 329 has provided some unforgettable moments. McGregor has talked about his addiction, belief in God, and renewed motivation to compete in the UFC among other things.

Max Holloway wants Conor McGregor rematch
Max Holloway talks about Conor McGregor (via Heavy Sports, X)

The Irishman’s addiction is something that is widely known among the UFC fan base for sometime now. This is why Holloway appreciated the former UFC double champion for speaking about his shortcomings ahead of UFC 329.

It takes a real man to come out and talk about his feelings. With the influence he has, bringing it up will encourage more people to talk about it, and more guys will go get mental health checkups or other checkups. Shout out to him for doing that.

Max Holloway via ESPN MMA

Conor McGregor also spoke about learning from many mistakes ahead of his UFC return. He opened up about the journey of self-discovery where there is a need to control triggers and balance everything out. So far, ‘The Notorious’ looks extremely focused on his UFC return.

Meanwhile, Max Holloway is presented with an opportunity to avenge his previous loss to the Irishman. Both of them have remained respectful except for the occasional trash-talk. As such, fans are anticipating the long-awaited rematch between two of the most decorated fighters in UFC history.

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