The Max Holloway next fight news should arrive in the next few months. While his legion of fans wait, we take a look at three opponent options for his UFC return and recap his big win in July at UFC 318.
Also Read: UFC Tonight – Get everything you need to know on UFC 318
Max Holloway next fight opponent options?
At UFC 318, Holloway was able to get sweet revenge and score a unanimous decision over future Hall of Famer Dustin Poirier. After a successful defense of the BMF belt, the Hawaiian will look to solidify a spot as the No. 1 contender in his next bout. That is why matchups with Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, or Paddy Pimblett are likely next.
- The Highlight: Considering how good the first fight was, the UFC may rebook a BMF rematch between Holloway and Gaethje. “The Highlight” prefers a title fight next, but the chance to avenge the worst loss of his career will be appealing.
- Ahalkalakets: Tsarukyan was set to face Islam Makhachev for the belt last year, but he couldn’t make weight. He needs to win a big fight before getting another chance. Beating Holloway would definitely lock up a title shot next year.
- The Baddy: Pimblett is the fastest rising fighter at lightweight and is one of the brashest athletes in the company. A No. 1 contender clash that is also for the BMF belt feels perfect for a Holloway vs. Pimblett scrap.
Holloway vs. Poirier 3 preview
For the third time, Holloway and Poirier went to war and delivered a memorable fight. Both men had big moments and pushed the other to the limit in what will be a Fight of the Year candidate in 2025.
What happened: Over the first two rounds, Holloway’s hands seemed to fast, and he seriously stunned his opponent more than once. However, the Louisiana native roared back in the third and made it a very close fight that went to the scorecards.
The fallout: In the end, “Blessed” scored a unanimous decision win following a strong fifth and final round. It proved Holloway really is a legitimate top-five fighter at lightweight and deserves to be in the title fight conversation.
What’s next? Since he was knocked out by new lightweight king Ilia Topuria in October, a rematch next is unlikely. That is why a scrap with Tsarukyan or Pimblett seems likely next.
Related: Get a look at our latest UFC lightweight rankings?
What makes Max Holloway so popular?
Despite the greatness of Jose Aldo before him, many observers of the sport view Holloway as the greatest featherweight fighter in UFC history. Although Volkanovski may have usurped his place in history, “Blessed’s” resume speaks for itself. Especially since he added the BMF belt to his trophy case.
The Best Boxer in MMA: Although Holloway is a complete fighter, he is a featherweight legend for his elite-level striking and the boxing he has often proclaimed as the best in the UFC.
- Max Holloway record: 27-8
- Max Holloway stats: Blessed has scored 12 knockouts and 2 submission wins during his career
- Max Holloway age: 33 years old
- Max Holloway wife: “Blessed” started dating surfer Alessa Quizon in 2020, and the couple eventually married in 2022.
- With over 30 fights in the top MMA promotion in the world, Holloway has compiled a 22-8 record. Eight of those matchups were title fights.
- Holloway earned the moniker of UFC featherweight GOAT from his decisive victories over former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, Charles Oliveira, Chan Sung Jung, Brian Ortega, Jose Aldo (twice), and most recently Justin Gaethje.
- His record is far from perfect, but it has taken elite-level talent to beat him. All but one of his seven losses in the Octagon game were against former or current UFC champions.
- Hawaiian MMA great BJ Penn was long seen as the greatest fighter to ever come out of “The Aloha State.” However, Holloway has surpassed Penn’s notoriety and become the face of Pacific Islands cage fighting.
Max Holloway’s net worth
Money is often one of the greatest measuring sticks for a fighter’s success. As of 2025, Holloway’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
Related: Have There Ever Been UFC Deaths? We Take A Look At The Darkside Of Fighting Inside A Cage
