Max Holloway didn't wait long before making this decision that would change his career for the rest of it.
Max Holloway has made up his mind. The former UFC featherweight champion announced on Saturday that he would no longer fight in the under 66 kilo category following his knockout defeat. Indeed, his last fight took place at UFC 308 against Ilia Topuria. The Georgian therefore became the first man to knock out Max Holloway. If we don't take the BMF title into account, this is Max's fourth consecutive UFC title loss. It's time for change then for the Hawaiian.
Max Holloway: Goodbye 66 and hello 70
“It’s a bit of my phoenix moment, we are reborn from our ashes”said Max Holloway on his YouTube channel. “We are moving on to bigger and better things, we are walking through a new door and we are starting a new chapter. I'm a firm believer in never say never, and the big question now is, “Was that your last fight at 150 pounds?” “.
“You saw me talk about it at the press conference, and I can honestly say I think I'm done with that category. Your boy is only getting older. I am 33 years old. This cutting there? No excuses. It was easy, brother. Many thanks to my wife. They helped me make this weight loss really easy, but it's hard to lose weight, period. Whatever your weight. I had to give up ramen for my 66 kilo camps. So I'm done with that. I never want to give up ramen again. 70 kilos, here we are, that's where I want to stay. It's a new chapter. This is where we start. I'm looking forward to it. »
“Like I said, never say never. But I can honestly look you in the eye and tell you that I will probably never go back to 150 pounds. I like what I did. I did what I did. I did what I had to do there. And I worked to come back, I went above and beyond to get another title shot many times. I was champion. I defended this weight. Now it's time for the next chapter, and there are a bunch of fun fights that I can't wait to take on. »
Holloway, who has dabbled at 150 pounds in the past, is eager to move up permanently and finally put on the weight and muscle he needs. His last fight in the lightweight category? His KO victory over Justin Gaethje for the BMF title at UFC 300.
A return already planned?
“When I come back it will be at 70 kilos and we are here to stay,” Holloway said. “Even the version of me that you saw against Gaethje is not the complete version. We had the idea to come back to 66 kilos because I wanted that world title. I can't wait for the future. If you think the version of me against Gaethje was good, I can't wait to get in the lab with my coaches and make weight. »
As for the potential return of his long-awaited move to lightweight, Holloway is targeting a return next July for UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas. The former UFC featherweight king hopes to find a higher-ranked opponent than him to fight for a title at the end of the year.
“If I had to choose a date, it would be International Fight Week”he declared. “I wish I was back on the ninth island in Las Vegas. The big card is that of International Fight Week. I don't know who will be available at that time. The fact that I am ranked 5th is a good thing. Hopefully I can fight someone ahead of me, get a big win and who knows? I could knock on the door of a title fight. »
Transcription credits: MMA JUNKIE
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