There might be hope for a Max Holloway comeback after UFC’s ‘Blessed’ star has revealed they are ‘working’ on a comeback.
Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to secure one of the greatest highlight-reel finishes in UFC history. Riding this momentum, the Hawaiian superstar challenged for Ilia Topuria’s featherweight crown at UFC 308. ‘El Matador’ stopped Holloway with a nasty left hook in the third round.
This was the first TKO loss for Holloway, who left an exclusive club of UFC fighters who had never been knocked down or out in their lengthy careers – including Jon Jones.
Holloway isn’t letting this setback hold him down.
‘Working on the date’ … Max Holloway reveals positive news about return UFC fight
Responding to a fan on X on February 12, Holloway revealed that he and his team are “working on the date” for his next fight. The typical turnaround for winning fighters is four to six months, even longer for losing fighters like Holloway.
Fan’s best guess for a Holloway comeback would be at International Fight Week beginning on June 26, possibly a rematch against top lightweight contender and former rival Charles Oliveira.
The hype surrounding the fight was spurred on by Michael Bisping, who endorsed Holloway-Oliveira 2 as co-main to Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.
The UFC has also revealed its International Fight Week schedule, which features UFC 317 as its crown event. There will be a UFC Hall of Fame induction on June 26, followed by UFC X on June 27-28, and UFC 317 on June 28.
Max Holloway is still the BMF champion
It’s easy to forget that Holloway maintains his Baddest Motherf—– (BMF) status from his knockout over Gaethje. This opens up a new avenue of matchmaking for the former featherweight champion.
Holloway’s star power could rule him out of any contender fights in the featherweight division but could make for a great BMF showdown with several competitors.
First and foremost is the rematch with Oliveira. ‘Do Bronx’ has unfinished business with Holloway and is indeed eligible for the title. He could also have a trilogy with Dustin Poirier – although it doesn’t seem necessary – ‘The Diamond’ has defeated Holloway twice, but a third fight would still sell.