Max Holloway’s Future Up in the Air After Surprise Knockout Loss
Max Holloway, former UFC featherweight champion, suffered a shocking knockout loss against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. This marks the first knockout defeat of Holloway’s illustrious career. While Holloway felt confident in his performance, Topuria landed a decisive blow in the third round, ending Holloway’s hopes of reclaiming the featherweight title.
Holloway Reflects on the Fight
“I felt great. I was finding my groove. Saw it on the scoreboards after, I was kind of surprised, I thought I had at least one of them. The first round I know he took me down and at the end he had that takedown so, it is what it is, I felt good. Showing off my hands, I was landing, I was being fast, I think I had him surprised in there. Like I said, I was doing good until I wasn’t,” Holloway stated at the post-fight press conference.
Holloway acknowledged Topuria’s skill, saying, “The first couple of rounds he landed a couple of left hooks. He took me down, he didn’t feel too strong, and you know, game of inches. Game of inches. He landed something that I found myself looking up from the ground.”
Weight Class Change Possible?
Despite a successful cut to featherweight, Holloway hinted at a potential move to lightweight. His recent victory at UFC 300 against Justin Gaethje showcased his dominance at 155 pounds. “I had the best ’45 cut here, but what else is there to do? I had a couple of times to reclaim [the featherweight title], new guys coming up, that would be fun, but I think ’55 looks more fun as fighting just more the caliber, everyone there and the names there, it would look really exciting to put my name in the mix,” Holloway expressed.
Holloway’s Next Move
While he hasn’t specified his next opponent, Holloway is open to exciting matchups in the lightweight division. He plans to take some time off before returning to the Octagon, aiming for a summer 2025 comeback.
“We’ll sit down with the team, relax, there’s nothing needed to be rushing back right now. Probably try to come back summer, big July card in Vegas, do something, see what happens. [The 155-pound division] looks really good right now,” Holloway concluded.
Stay tuned for updates on Max Holloway’s future fights and weight class decisions. Will he remain at featherweight or make the jump to lightweight? Only time will tell!