The coaching team of Islam Makhachev has not ruled out a matchup with Max Holloway following UFC 329. The potential fight remains in play as Makhachev looks ahead to his next challenge.
The coaching team behind Islam Makhachev confirmed this week that a fight with Max Holloway remains a live possibility in the aftermath of UFC 329, which took place on July 11, 2026. The camp has not closed the door on the matchup as Makhachev plots his next move.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently reigns as champion in the welterweight division, sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, operates out of a southpaw stance and stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach. His game is built around elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Holloway, also 34, brings a 28-9-0 record into consideration and is ranked fourth in the lightweight division, sitting ninth on the pound-for-pound list. The Hawaiian, who represents Gracie Technics, is an orthodox striker standing five-foot-eleven with a 69-inch reach. He is one of the most prolific volume strikers in the sport, averaging 6.92 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is the reigning champion and top pound-for-pound fighter, making any potential opponent a marquee event
- Holloway is ranked fourth at lightweight and ninth pound-for-pound, giving the matchup genuine divisional weight
- The style contrast is stark — Makhachev's high-volume grappling against Holloway's elite striking output sets up a compelling tactical puzzle
- A cross-divisional or intra-divisional clash between two top-ten pound-for-pound fighters would carry significant title implications
Saturday, July 11, 2026
