“Guy you knocked out turn around so fast,” Max Holloway questions why Islam Makhachev did not fight sooner after leaving unscathed from last fight

Max Holloway responds to Islam Makhachev after the latter's negative remarks about the BMF title fight.

“Guy you knocked out turn around so fast,” Max Holloway questions why Islam Makhachev did not fight sooner after leaving unscathed from last fight

Max Holloway responds to Islam Makhachev (Image via: IMAGO)

Max Holloway will aim to upset the odds at UFC 300 against Justin Gaethje. Even though Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill is the main event, fans consider Holloway vs. Gaethje to be the people’s main event. The fight also excited other fighters, but there was a detractor – Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev, in an interview with Mike Bohn, did not react positively to the fight announcement. From his perspective, it did not make any sense as he wanted to fight Gaethje in June. Holloway appeared on the MIGHTY Cast podcast and responded to the lightweight champion’s remarks.

[Islam] you should have fought Justin in February! Why did the guy [Alexander Volkanovski] you knocked out turn around so fast to fight in February, when you were healthy. You should’ve turned around February.
Max Holloway via MIGHTY Cast
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Holloway’s remarks came as a response to Makhachev calling the BMF belt useless. The Hawaiian considers himself to be a modern-day gladiator. Therefore, the BMF belt holds a sensible value for him. Interestingly enough, Justin Gaethje also considers himself to be a modern-day gladiator as well.

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Makhachev is not the only one who did not like the idea of Gaethje and Holloway fighting. Khabib Nurmagomedov also had the same reaction as Makhachev. Both Nurmagomedov and Makhachev have never given any value to the BMF belt. For them, it is for journeyman fighters who will never become a ‘real’ champion.

What happens to the lightweight title picture if Max Holloway defeats Justin Gaethje?

Before Dana White announced Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway and Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev had options to choose as his next opponent. Makhachev wanted to fight Gaethje as he had already defeated Oliveira and Tsarukyan.

Islam Makhachev on Justin Gaethje vs Max Holloway
Islam Makhachev on Justin Gaethje vs Max Holloway (Image via: IMAGO)

In his interview with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie, Makhachev questioned the timing of the fight. From Makhachev’s perspective, Holloway vs. Gaethje is a lose-lose situation for Gaethje. If Gaethje wins against Holloway, he would likely need time to recover. Moreover, he would only get a title shot after the winner of Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan.

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On the other hand, Holloway would’ve gotten the title shot at featherweight as Ilia Topuria dethroned Alexander Volkanovski. If he loses against Gaethje, it would be difficult for the UFC to promote a fight between Holloway and Topuria. Nonetheless, Holloway’s primary target is Islam Makhachev‘s undisputed lightweight title if victorious.

Interestingly, the winner in this scenario is Dustin Poirier. After he knocked out Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 298, Poirier is now the favorite to fight for the undisputed lightweight title next. Makhachev also has an interest in the fight. Rumors speculate that the fight will headline UFC 302.

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