Max Holloway Wants Only Big Fights for His Next UFC Outing and Takes Shot at Conor McGregor

Max Holloway reveals ambitions for fight for title as he nears the end of his career and calls out Conor McGregor for making excuses.

Max Holloway Wants Only Big Fights for His Next UFC Outing and Takes Shot at Conor McGregor

Max Holloway calls out Conor McGregor (via Yahoo Sports)

There were major expectations surrounding Max Holloway’s highly anticipated rematch against Conor McGregor at UFC 329. However, the bout ended in disappointment when McGregor suffered a knee injury just 69 seconds into the fight. Holloway was subsequently awarded a first-round TKO victory in the rematch.

McGregor and Holloway first met at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013, with both emerging as promising featherweights. McGregor controlled much of the fight with his striking and wrestling before securing a unanimous decision victory. The bout later became notable because the Irishman suffered an ACL injury during the fight.

McGregor denied having a pre-existing knee injury following his UFC 329 loss to Holloway. He instead blamed moisture created by dry ice used before his walkout, claiming it contributed to his knee injury. The Hawaiian veteran has now called out McGregor for making excuses instead of accepting the result.

It’s just crazy for the dude to be talking about how it was slippery because of the dry ice. I don’t know what he’s talking about because I didn’t fall. Him talking about this ‘generational beating’. Dude is delusional because to me, he felt slow in there. He looked old. If there was gonna be a generational beating, it wasn’t gonna be on his end.

Max Holloway via his YouTube channel

Before UFC 329, Holloway suffered a setback when Charles Oliveira defeated him for the BMF title at UFC 326. Oliveira dominated the rematch through his grappling and control, earning a clear unanimous decision victory. Holloway now wants either a title shot or another fight with McGregor as he enters the final stage of his career.

If it’s a title shot at either weight classes, sign your boy up. If it’s a Conor McGregor fight again, I’ll sign the dotted line.

Max Holloway via his YouTube channel

Holloway and McGregor both expressed interest in a potential trilogy fight shortly after UFC 329 ended, keeping their rivalry alive. However, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the promotion will not pursue a third fight between the former rivals. Holloway now faces uncertainty over his next major opportunity.

McGregor has confirmed he will return in 2027 after undergoing surgery for his meniscus and ACL injuries suffered against Holloway.

The Irishman has also teased a potential return during International Fight Week in 2027. However, the UFC’s decision to overlook a Holloway trilogy raises doubts about whether their rivalry will continue.

A 155-pound title shot could interest Holloway given his history with current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Holloway scored a spectacular last-second knockout over Gaethje at UFC 300, stopping him with one second remaining in the fifth round.

However, a shot at 170 pounds appears doubtful given Holloway’s limited experience at welterweight. The division is also stacked with contenders waiting for a shot at champion Islam Makhachev. Max Holloway therefore has several possibilities, but his next move remains uncertain as his career enters its final stages.

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Max Holloway calls out Islam Makhachev after recent back and forth

Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 330 by successfully defending his welterweight title against Ian Garry. The victory extended his UFC winning streak to 17 fights, breaking the previous record held by Anderson Silva. Makhachev also became the fifth fighter to defend a UFC title in a second division.

Makhachev celebrated with two UFC belts after his historic victory, reflecting his status as the promotion’s 11th two-division champion. However, Max Holloway criticized the celebration and questioned why Makhachev displayed both belts after defending the welterweight title. Holloway’s comments added tension between the two UFC stars.

Max Holloway calls out Islam Makhachev
Max Holloway calls out Islam Makhachev (via BBC, MMA Fighting)

Makhachev responded by trolling Holloway over never holding two UFC belts simultaneously. Holloway fired back by displaying seven UFC belts and taking shots at Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz. The Hawaiian veteran has now called out Makhachev for a fight to settle their differences inside the Octagon.

I have a win at 170, the 170 champ or the 170 champ’s team is not liking what I said. I said what a lot of people were probably thinking, so I’m the bad guy. And the end of the day, if [the fight] is there.

Max Holloway via his YouTube channel

Max Holloway has not fought for undisputed UFC gold since his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024. With the Hawaiian nearing the final stretch of his career, targeting the UFC’s pound-for-pound leader could be risky. Nevertheless, the matchup is not going to happen.

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