Despite having two months left in 2024, Max Holloway believes that the Fighter of the Year conversation has already been wrapped up.
The former featherweight champion has the chance to put himself right in the discussion next week at UFC 308 when he challenges for the belt against Ilia Topuria. However, he feels that the regular defences from Alex Pereira have already earned him the award.
The Brazilian has defended his light-heavyweight world title three times this year, after winning the belt in November. He saved the day at UFC 300 and UFC 303 on short notice before brutalising Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307 earlier this month.
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Max Holloway backs Alex Pereira to win Fighter of the Year
After easily the most exciting victory of 2024 against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway is in a prime position to find himself nominated for Fighter of the Year. A win over the surging Ilia Topuria would see his stock rise to new heights, and add to the legend of his career.
But he feels that three stoppage title defences will likely edge the award in favour of Pereira, whose activity has been unmatched in the past few months. “I don’t know man,” Holloway admitted in an interview with Kevin Iole when asked about the possibility of winning come year’s end.
“I don’t know that I would [be that]. The way Alex [Pereira] took fights, I mean [he’s] the fastest guy to defend his title, right? With three title defences. That’s a hard man to beat. I mean, every time I’m in the talks for it, somebody’s having a crazy a** year. I think Alex Pereira has got that win in the bag already.”
Alex Pereira had stunning run of knockouts in 2024
After winning the vacant world title in New York City against Jiri Prochazka last November, Alex Pereira had no clue he would be heading for such an exciting year. He was drafted in on short notice as the promotion struggled for a UFC 300 headliner to face Jamahal Hill in April.
The former champion had never lost his belt in the octagon; a brutal training injury forced him to vacate the strap a year prior. But he was viciously put to sleep by Pereira in the first to suffer just his second ever defeat.
And just weeks later, Conor McGregor was forced out of UFC 303, meaning there was another massive main event star needed for the T-Mobile Arena. Pereira answered the call for a quickfire rematch with Prochazka.
There had been controversy in some circles over the stoppage of their initial meeting, with some feeling Prochazka could have survived. However, the Brazilian left no doubt the second time out, with a massive head kick completely stunning and stopping his Czech rival.
After his second big promotion-saving performances, the surging light-heavyweight insisted that he would be taking a break. He mentioned the possibility of a November or December fight date, but explicitly shut down the prospect of October.
That was until UFC 307 arose as an opportunity in Salt Lake City. Instead of facing top contender Magomed Ankalaev, he took on number eight Khalil Rountree Jr, but was given his toughest test of the bunch after a difficult training camp.
He struggled through the early rounds with Muay Thai specialist Rountree, before coming into the fight at the American faded. Ultimately, the pressure was too much as he stopped his rival and retained the belt, earning himself another huge win.
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