Max Holloway wants there to be a system in place to decide who his next title challenger would be.
At UFC 318, he became the first man to successfully defend the BMF belt as Holloway recorded his first win over Dustin Poirier.
While Poirier’s career came to an emotional end, there is still a lot that ‘Blessed’ can accomplish after committing himself to the lightweight division.
Holloway made it clear that he has a preferred opponent after returning to the win column on July 19 but as Dana White stated in his post-fight press conference, “anything is possible” for the champion.
If he doesn’t earn a rematch with Ilia Topuria, it’s likely he’ll be defending the BMF belt for a second time next time out, but the champ wants some changes.
Max Holloway earns mixed reactions from the fans for pitching BMF rankings
During the UFC’s ‘About Last Fight’ episode following July 19 in New Orleans, Max Holloway was asked about what is next for him.
Fellow lightweight contender Dan Hooker was mentioned as a potential next opponent, which ‘Blessed’ responded to by calling for BMF rankings.
While he admitted that the UFC’s rankings are not ideal, he wants there to be a bit more clarity regarding who is next to challenge him for the belt.
“Brother, BMF, that’s a BMF. We need a BMF ranking. UFC, please have a BMF ranking. Yeah, so we can let them know. I’m not saying no to Dan Hooker but I’m just saying, can we please have a BMF ranking so we can see it? Actually, I don’t even know if it’s UFC. Can we get the fans to do it? Cuz UFC’s rankings is f—— all over the place.”
Fans were split on Holloway’s pitch for rankings, with some arguing that the promotion should embrace the fun aspect of the belt while others still argue that it’s a gimmick title.
‘Honestly agree with this. If you’re gonna do it, go all in on it.’
‘Max, shut up please.’
‘BMF ranking sounds like a great way to spice things up in the UFC.’
‘Terrible idea. Pointless idea. Even the actual rankings mean nothing.’
‘I like the BMF, people are too averse to having silly fun. Let’s just enjoy it, go all in and have a little striker’s league within the UFC.’
‘Hopefully; no. It’s a shame it exists.’
Dan Hooker is a strong option for Max Holloway’s next defense of the BMF belt
While Max Holloway may have used the opportunity to call for a BMF ranking, the title fight that he was pitched with Dan Hooker would make a lot of sense.
Holloway has made it clear that he wants Ilia Topuria next but he’s also stated that it’s up to the UFC to decide what path they want to take.
A rematch with Charles Oliveira seems to be the matchup that most fans want to see but Hooker is another lightweight that certainly qualifies for a shot at the belt.
If Topuria is going to be preoccupied, having Holloway face ‘The Hangman’ for the first time would be another guaranteed classic.