Holloway Receives BMF Challenge, But Alternative Options May Be More Advantageous

Staff
By Staff 4 Min Read

Max Holloway, a dominant force in the UFC’s featherweight division, has embarked on a new chapter in his career, moving up to the lightweight division following a TKO loss to Ilia Topuria. This transition marks a significant shift for Holloway, who held the featherweight title and consistently ranked among the division’s elite. While he remains a top contender at 145 pounds, his future now lies in the more competitive landscape of the 155-pound weight class. The move has sparked immediate interest and speculation regarding Holloway’s next opponent, with fighters like Renato Moicano vying for the opportunity to welcome him to the lightweight ranks.

Moicano, currently ranked No. 10 in the lightweight division, has publicly expressed his desire to face Holloway, even suggesting a fight for a hypothetical “BMF” title. He believes his fighting style and personality align well with the BMF concept, making for an exciting and marketable matchup. A victory over a high-profile fighter like Holloway would significantly elevate Moicano’s standing within the division and potentially propel him into title contention. However, despite the promotional appeal and Moicano’s winning streak, the likelihood of this matchup materializing in the near future remains uncertain.

Holloway, despite his recent loss, holds a more established position in the UFC hierarchy. His history includes a knockout victory against Justin Gaethje at lightweight, solidifying his ability to compete at the highest level in the 155-pound division. This win, coupled with his overall career achievements, grants him a degree of leverage in choosing his next opponent. Rather than facing a lower-ranked contender like Moicano, Holloway is more likely to pursue rematches against former opponents like Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier, both of whom represent more significant challenges and potential career-defining victories.

The prospect of a rematch with Oliveira holds particular intrigue. Their first encounter in 2015 resulted in a TKO victory for Holloway due to a shoulder injury suffered by Oliveira. Given the inconclusive nature of that outcome and the subsequent rise of both fighters to championship status, a rematch would undoubtedly generate significant fan interest. Similarly, a third fight against Poirier, to whom Holloway has lost twice, would offer an opportunity for redemption and a chance to settle the score against a long-time rival.

While Holloway carefully considers his next move, the UFC continues its busy schedule. UFC Vegas 101, scheduled for the beginning of 2025, features a compelling strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas. Dern seeks to avenge her previous loss to Ribas in 2019, adding a layer of personal stakes to an already significant matchup. The card also showcases a variety of other exciting fights across different weight classes, providing a platform for both established veterans and rising prospects to demonstrate their skills and climb the UFC rankings.

The future of Max Holloway’s lightweight journey remains to be seen. While Moicano presents a viable option, Holloway’s preference for higher-profile rematches against established rivals like Oliveira or Poirier seems more probable. Given his status and the potential for title contention, Holloway is likely to prioritize these matchups over fights against lower-ranked opponents. His decision will significantly shape the landscape of the lightweight division and potentially set the stage for another title run. In the meantime, the UFC continues to deliver a steady stream of exciting events, keeping fans entertained and engaged with the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts.

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