Max Holloway’s name might not ring a bell in most households, but the UFC Featherweight contender is steadfast on attaining a 145-pound title shot.
“Blessed” would be recognized as one of the Top 3 fighters in his division, but when you have the names Conor McGregor, Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar in front of you, it’s kind of hard to shine.
Holloway was sat following his unanimous-decision win over past training partner Jeremy Stephens at the UFC 194 pay-per-view (PPV) last December because he needed thumb surgery.
His win over “Lil Heathen” was his eighth in as many tries and with his cast set to come off this upcoming Thursday (Feb. 18, 2016), the 24-year-old dynamic striker can start to plot his route to a title. And for Holloway, he would like a return fight against none other than ex-champion Jose Aldo.
From Holloway’s conversation with media last weekend in Las Vegas:
“He’s been the champ for so long, I don’t see why not. The only thing I see is he got hurt in that first fight. That kind of cost a lot and then that 13-second fight. It sucks, but I think that injury put it into play. He say he fight for a title and whatever. We’ll see how this Conor McGregor stuff goes. Why not do an interim title between Aldo and Holloway in Hawaii? That would be freaking ideal. We’ll see.”
As it stands, McGregor will be putting his featherweight belt into storage while he attempts to win a second belt off of lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 in less than a month. “Junior” isn’t too happy that “Notorious” threw out their secret deal and won’t accept any fight unless it’s for the strap he dropped in 13 seconds.
UFC president Dana White is coming around to the idea of an Aldo title fight, but those plans will likely hinge on the outcome of dos Anjos vs McGregor.
“The Answer” might be available, however, he’s also concentrating on getting what he deserves.
Where does this leave Holloway? Possibly on the outside looking in.