Max Holloway is currently ranked ninth in the lightweight division. Photo: Instagram UFC Europe
Current BMF champion and ninth-ranked lightweight (up to 70,3kg), Max Holloway is experiencing a moment of relief in his career as he no longer needs to sacrifice his physique to compete in the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg). A veteran of the organization, the Hawaiian is preparing for his third appearance in the new weight class, in a trilogy that will take place on July 19 against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318.
When commenting on the new phase in his career, Holloway highlighted the enthusiasm with representatives of the lightweight division and indicated that he will look for big fights next.
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“I just found that 70kg is much more fun. I can eat a lot more, and I can do my thing at lightweight. So, ultimately, it wasn’t hard to stay there. We had unfinished business at 66kg, so we went back there. Now we’re here, and I can’t wait. There are some fun matchups for us here at 70kg, so it’s even better for me,” Holloway told MMA Junkie.
Max Holloway at the weigh-in for the featherweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
Following his speech, the fighter reinforced that his career in the featherweight division is in fact over and suggested that officials remove him from the rankings of the division he previously reigned over.
“(…) I don’t know what the UFC or, I mean, you guys are the ones who vote on the rankings, right? I don’t know what you guys are thinking by keeping me as number one (in the rankings). Because this is kind of ridiculous. I’m not going back to 66kg. I’m over that,” he said.
Finally, the fighter added that he was bothered by the ranking movement and stated that he did not approve of his current lightweight position after his iconic knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
“It’s ridiculous. I don’t get it. I mean, the rankings period, I don’t get it. The rankings are all over the place. Let’s go back to the Gaethje fight. Gaethje was the number one contender when I fought him at 70 pounds. At the time, he was ranked fifth or fourth. I beat him, and I thought it was cool the way I beat him. I felt like things were going in my favor at the beginning of the fight. The whole fight, I felt like I was in control of the fight, and to finish the fight like that and at that moment, I thought definitely when the rankings came out, I wouldn’t be ranked ninth. That’s just ridiculous, and the guy was ranked fifth or fourth,” he concluded.
Max Holloway strikes Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In preparation to defend his BMF belt, Holloway returns to the octagon on July 19, at UFC 318. The favorite among bookmakers, the Hawaiian is looking to achieve his first victory against Poirier after being defeated in two fights against his compatriot.
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