Max Holloway is facing a significant decision in his fighting career, and it's not going to be an easy one for the Hawaiian fighter. Despite being in the prime of his career and maintaining his popularity, Holloway finds himself at a crossroads in his current division, the featherweight division of the UFC.
Holloway's recent victory over "Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung at UFC Singapore showcased his resilience and skill, as he secured a third-round knockout. However, a closer look at the UFC's official featherweight contender rankings reveals that Holloway has essentially cleaned out the division. He holds the No. 1 ranking and has already defeated fighters ranked No. 2, 3, and 4. With a lack of upward mobility and little interest in a fourth fight against current champion Alexander Volkanovski, Holloway's options in the featherweight division seem limited.
Having previously held the featherweight title with three successful defenses, the 31-year-old Holloway appears to have accomplished all that he can in the division. This has led to speculation about a move up to the lightweight division, which could provide new challenges and opportunities for him. While Holloway previously attempted to move up in 2019 and fell short against Dustin Poirier, his current experience and maturity could make a difference in his potential success at lightweight.
Moving up in weight is not uncommon in MMA, especially as fighters naturally grow and weight cuts become more challenging. While Holloway has demonstrated his ability to make the featherweight limit, a move to lightweight could allow him to compete without draining himself, contributing to his long-term health and performance. Potential matchups with fighters like Justin Gaethje, Beneil Dariush, Rafael Fiziev, and Dan Hooker have been suggested, and these fights could be intriguing for both fans and Holloway himself.
However, the landscape could change depending on future developments. Volkanovski's next title defense against Ilia Topuria could impact the division. If Topuria wins, Volkanovski might consider a move up to lightweight, which could open up new opportunities for Holloway at featherweight. On the other hand, a rematch between Volkanovski and Topuria or another scenario could maintain Holloway's status as a top contender in the featherweight division.
In the end, Holloway's choice will be influenced by his goals, aspirations, and how he envisions his legacy in the sport. He has expressed interest in facing Volkanovski for the title once again, suggesting that he may be content with continuing to compete at featherweight until that opportunity arises. Regardless of his decision, Holloway's legacy as one of the top fighters in the UFC is already secure, and fans will be eager to see what the future holds for him.