Max Holloway may still have unfinished business to settle in the UFC’s lightweight division.
Holloway is gearing up to challenge reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 308, set to take place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Holloway stunned the MMA world with a last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, making a strong argument for a shot at the lightweight title. However, divisional champion Islam Makhachev hadn’t considered the new BMF titleholder as a potential challenger at the time.
That said, Makhachev seems open to the idea — if “Blessed” can convincingly take down Topuria in their upcoming bout.
Pulled off one of the best KOs in UFC history to win the BMF title
@BlessedMMA is coming back for the featherweight throne at #UFC308
[ @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/EckQiYdQQL
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2024
During a recent interview with Demetrious Johnson, Holloway discussed his choice to return to the featherweight division following his victory over Gaethje. The Hawaiian revealed that his return to 145 pounds might be a short-term decision and that he could potentially face Makhachev next year.
“Blessed” stated that going up against Makhachev would be akin to facing UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, calling it a significant opportunity that could further elevate his already storied career.
Makhachev is riding high after his third successful lightweight title defense, having secured a submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June. The Dagestani is anticipated to face Arman Tsarukyan, likely at UFC 311 next year, although no official announcement has been made by the promotion as of yet.
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