Max Holloway Names Main Reason for Potentially Accepting Conor McGregor Fight

Former UFC BMF champion Max Holloway reveals why he would prefer the potential Conor McGregor rematch as his next fight.

Max Holloway Names Main Reason for Potentially Accepting Conor McGregor Fight

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

In Short
  • Max Holloway is interested in avenging his 2013 loss to Conor McGregor, citing their shared history and stylistic compatibility.
  • Holloway believes a matchup with McGregor would be entertaining since McGregor is unlikely to pursue takedowns.
  • Despite McGregor's inactivity and uncertainty about his return, Holloway continues to position himself as a potential opponent.

Max Holloway has been competing in the UFC since 2012, building a long-standing career against elite opposition, including Jose Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Conor McGregor in August 2013 during the early stages of both careers. Now 34, Holloway has expressed interest in avenging that defeat amid ongoing speculation about McGregor’s potential return.

Their first meeting took place at UFC Fight Night in Boston on August 17, 2013, where McGregor won by unanimous decision over Holloway. McGregor suffered a knee injury during the bout, but relied on control and grappling to win three rounds. The Hawaiian native was still early in his UFC tenure. He showed resilience, but was unable to match the Irishman’s output or positional dominance.

Since that bout, McGregor captured titles in two weight classes, while Holloway developed into one of the most successful featherweight champions in UFC history and later claimed the BMF title. With discussions linking the pair to a potential clash during International Fight Week in June, Holloway has outlined why a matchup with McGregor remains a viable option given their stylistic compatibility and shared history.

We can fight at whatever weight he wants. I want to get that one back. That’ll be a fun fight, Conor’s not gonna shoot.

Max Holloway via his YouTube channel

Holloway’s remarks may also be interpreted as a subtle reference to his UFC 326 clash with Charles Oliveira, a bout contested for the BMF title. The matchup carried significant anticipation due to expectations of high-paced exchanges between two aggressive styles. Instead, Oliveira dictated the fight through sustained grappling control, with all three judges officially awarding a 50-45 decision in his favor.

McGregor last competed in the UFC in 2021, when he faced Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout and suffered a loss following a leg break injury. Since then, his return has remained a subject of ongoing anticipation, as extended inactivity has kept him out of competition. He has also indicated that he received a contract offer from the UFC after his unsuccessful attempt to secure involvement at the White House event.

However, Conor McGregor’s return remains clouded by uncertainty, as the Irishman has suggested comebacks without follow-through. The last-minute withdrawal from UFC 303 further complicated expectations surrounding his activity. As doubts persist, Max Holloway continues to position himself as a viable opponent, keeping the possibility of a long-awaited rematch relevant within the UFC landscape.

Max Holloway outlines his future after UFC 326 loss

Max Holloway has established himself as one of the most active and entertaining fighters each time he competes in the octagon. From his high-volume striking display against Calvin Kattar to his highlight-reel knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, his performances consistently deliver action. His fighting style emphasizes pace, durability, and output, ensuring that his bouts rarely lack engagement or intensity.

Max Holloway
Max Holloway (via talkSport)

Max Holloway has suffered multiple defeats across his UFC tenure, yet has consistently rebounded against elite competition. At UFC 308, Ilia Topuria became the first to knock him out, marking a significant moment in his career. Although the Hawaiian veteran later secured a trilogy victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, he recently addressed his future following the BMF title loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.

You only as good as your last fight I’ve been in this situation before. I got knocked down a bunch of times in my UFC career. I always cane back up. We’re gonna try to reach out to Hunter to get us a fight. It’s gonna be one more this year.

Max Holloway via his YouTube channel

In the aftermath of recent setbacks, Max Holloway has pointed to adjustments in his overall approach as he looks ahead. He has identified a rematch with Ilia Topuria as a key objective in order to avenge the knockout loss, while also keeping long-term plans open. At the same time, the possibility of a future trilogy bout with Charles Oliveira remains part of his broader competitive outlook.

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