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Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway has been a mainstay in the UFC’s featherweight division. The former UFC featherweight champion has consistently had entertaining fights and continues to maintain his place in the title picture.
After what he’s accomplished at 145lbs, perhaps it’s time for Holloway to make the move to lightweight for a new challenge.
‘Blessed’ hasn’t been against fighting in the UFC’s 155lbs division in the past. He accepted a short notice fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov for the vacant UFC lightweight championship in 2018, but was forced to withdraw.
Despite this initial setback, Holloway still fought at lightweight. At UFC 236, he fought Dustin Poirier for the interim UFC lightweight championship. It was a rematch of their first encounter seven years prior, with Poirier getting the win in both. Despite the loss, 'Blessed' proved he can compete with a top lightweight, so a potential move shouldn’t be viewed as too much of an uphill battle.
This list will look at 5 reasons why Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway should move to lightweight.
#5. Holloway has accomplished everything at featherweight
Max Holloway has accomplished everything there is to accomplish at featherweight. He defeated Jose Aldo by TKO at UFC 212 to become UFC featherweight champion and then made three successful title defenses.
Prior to his title loss to Alexander Volkanovski, 'Blessed' hadn’t lost a featherweight bout in six years. It was an impressive winning streak that saw him defeat many former UFC champions.
After back-to-back losses to Volkanovski, Holloway showcased why he should still be considered among the best in the division when he defeated Calvin Kattar. The bout was exciting and made a strong argument as to why he should get the next title shot.
'Blessed' followed that performance with another impressive win over Yair Rodriguez. He seemed open to evaluating his options post fight, which could be a sign that he’s considering a move to 155lbs.
Ultimately, he could stay and attempt to avenge his losses to Volkanovski. However, he'd still be back to square one if he wins the title as he'd have to fight the next contender.
While avenging his defeats to 'The Great' would be tremendous, Holloway has a unique chance to become champion in a different division. With the exception of Volkanovski, 'Blessed' has a chance to add more to his legacy at 155lbs than 145lbs.
#4. Holloway wouldn’t have to cut the extra 10lbs anymore
Another reason Holloway should move to lightweight is because he wont't have to cut as much weight to make 155lbs. Many fighters cut a significant amount of weight to make their respective divisions. The consequences eventually catch up to them.
At 30-years-old, 'Blessed' might feel that his performances could be hindered in the future if he continues cutting weight. Competing at 155lbs would be an easier weight cut and ensure that he’s not in a situation where he’s depleting his body.
While speaking with Ariel Helwani earlier this year for ESPN MMA, Holloway mentioned that he’ll eventually fully commit to being a lightweight. 'Blessed' added that he may even finish career at welterweight.
“I think so, I end my career around at 55 [155lbs]. I’ll fully commit at 55 or maybe even I’ll fully commit at 70 [170lbs], who knows," - said Max Holloway
#3. New matchups for Holloway at 155lbs
Max Holloway matches up well with the top lightweight contenders and would bring more starpower to an already stacked division.
Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje would be an intriguing bout should he make the move to lightweight. ‘The Highlight’ mentioned that it was a possibility while Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega were filming The Ultimate Fighter, but it didn’t materialize. Their fighting styles could also make for a 'Fight of the Night' candidate.
Furthermore, if 'Blessed' moves to 155lbs, he'd quickly enter the top 10 rankings. Other possible opponents that could earn Holloway a title shot include Michael Chandler, Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush.
#2. Possibility of Holloway vs. Conor McGregor 2
At lightweight, Max Holloway could also have a rematch with Conor McGregor. The most lucrative fight in MMA is McGregor, and ‘Blessed’ may have his sights set on avenging a loss.
The two fought back in 2013 at UFC Fight Night 26, which was early on in their UFC careers. Holloway had an MMA record of 6-3 and it was McGregor’s second UFC bout. ‘The Notorious’ earned the unanimous decision win, with the judges scoring the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26.
Since that night, their respective careers have gone in different directions. McGregor ended up becoming a two division UFC champion and the biggest star in the sport. Holloway, on the other hand, became UFC featherweight champion and didn’t lose another 145lb bout until 2019.
At this stage of their career, a bout between the two would garner plenty of attention. Holloway has stated he's the best boxer in the UFC, which McGregor disagreed with. The rematch between the two would allow them to settle that debate.
#1. Holloway holds a win over UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira
Prior to ascending up the ranks of the lightweight division, Charles Oliveira competed at featherweight.
‘Do Bronx’ and ‘Blessed’ had both been on 4 fight winning streaks and were looking to get closer to a title shot. It was an intriguing matchup, but it unfortunately ended prematurely.
At 1:39 of the first round, ‘Do Bronx’ suffered a torn esophagus that forced a stoppage. ‘Blessed’ was awarded the TKO win, but the two never ran it back.
Now that Oliveira is UFC lightweight champion and Holloway is contemplating a move, perhaps fans could get closure on their fight. With the lightweight division being loaded right now, 'Blessed' will most likely need a win over a top 5 opponent.
Regardless, it’d be interesting to see how the rematch would unfold.
