A win is a win. And that’s exactly what standout featherweight Max Holloway did at UFC Fight Night 74 opposite Charles Oliveira.
While the outcome of the fight may feel unsatisfying, as an apparent shoulder injury to Do Bronx ended the highly anticipated main event just one minute into the first round, the Hawaiian did what he needed to do to get his hand raised.
It may end up being an asterisk on his budding resume, but it’s difficult to knock a guy who was winning every exchange leading up to the unexpected finish.
That leaves Holloway in search of a high-ranked opponent as he looks to extend his seven-fight win streak and chances of fighting for the title in 2016.
And considering he has history with interim UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, battling the Irishman to his only career decision back at UFC Fight Night 26, Holloway’s stock is rising by the minute.
But he needs at least one more victory to lock down the ultimate Octagon opportunity for next year. Here are three potential fights for Blessed to take next.
Frankie Edgar
The most obvious choice in everyone’s eyes, except other title-hungry featherweights, should be Edgar vs. Holloway at one of the UFC’s December events at the end of the year.
It’s no secret that the road to the title currently runs through Edgar in the 145-pound division. He arguably deserves his own shot at the belt right now, but the UFC has played it slow with the former lightweight kingpin.
Of course, the promotion could opt to hold one of its most prized young talents in check and force Holloway to beat one more guy in the division before fighting someone like The Answer.
But with a seven-fight win streak fueling his case, Holloway deserves a chance to fight his way into a championship opportunity.
Edgar would certainly be the favorite entering such a matchup due in most part to his world-class ground game, but betting against the Hawaiian these days usually turns out bad.
Chad Mendes
If the UFC decides to pin Edgar vs. Jeremy Stephens later this year, Mendes would be a perfect fill-in for Holloway.
He’s arguably the best wrestler in the division, but he’s also a guy who can fizzle out against a striker who knows how to attack the body (circa McGregor at UFC 189).
The UFC owes Money a lot considering he stepped in for champion Jose Aldo just six weeks ago opposite The Notorious One, so it’s possible it can reward him by giving him a streaking name like Holloway.
As far as Blessed is concerned, defeating Mendes is yet another way he can squeeze into a title fight. It may not be the most direct road to gold, but it would suffice.
Jeremy Stephens
The least likely scenario for Holloway, although possible, is a fight with the heavy-handed Stephens.
Stephens was last seen dismantling Dennis Bermudez at UFC 189 in one of the best featherweight contests of all time.
However, an inability to successfully cut weight leading up to that fight could end up costing Lil’ Heathen when it comes to his ongoing title bid.
But if the UFC opts to schedule one of the most requested matchups in recent divisional history, Edgar vs. Mendes, then Holloway could find himself opposite Stephens toward the end of 2015.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DH_MMA
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com