Max Holloway left no doubt as to who the best Featherweight in mixed martial arts (MMA) today is, as he once again took it to Jose Aldo in the main event of last night’s (Sat., Dec. 2, 2017) UFC 218 event in Detroit, Michigan.
In what was truly an entertaining, back-and-forth brawl, Max and Jose left it all in the cage, thrilling fight fans for three rounds before “Blessed” put the finishing touches on on the Brazilian bomber, knocking him out in the third round for the second time this year.
Still, Max was all class in victory, as he says he has plenty to do before he can get close to Jose’s legacy, saying Aldo is still one of the greatest of all time and he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, anymore.
“I recently heard Jose Aldo’s motivation for the fight was his daughter and me being a parent with my son, I get it. But that guy has to know he doesn’t have to owe anybody anything, you know,” said Max during the post-fight presser (see it again here). “That guy is one of the greatest of all time and I think Brazil should be building statues of him in all of the favelas, man. He’s a legend, he’s a GOAT and I got a lot to fill,” he added.
As for his own masterful performance, Max says it should simply be a warning to all other fighters who wish to rematch him.
“I told you guys before, there is a quote going around; if I beat you one time, the second time is going to be worse. And the third time, you should rethink your life about accepting the fight,” he said.
“That’s just joking, but after the first round I walked up to Anik and Rogan and told him he’s tired already. I dropped my hands and told him to punch me. I dare him to punch me. He landed some shots but mines seemed to hurt him a little more. Everything went my way tonight, but likes said the guy is a GOAT and nothing but respect to him, his family and all of Brazil,” concluded Max.
Indeed, Aldo is one of the greatest champions to ever compete in mixed martial arts (MMA) but there is no denying his time at the top of the mountain may be up, while Holloway is just starting his path to greatness.
As for what’s next for the former 145-pound champion — who took the rematch on three weeks notice — that’s a little foggy at the moment, though some think a change in scenery is in order.
For complete UFC 218 results and coverage click here.