Following his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 329, Max Holloway has expressed willingness to wait for a trilogy fight but told fans that a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje is an equally appealing alternative. Holloway pointed to their shared history — most notably his knockout of Gaethje with one second remaining at UFC 300 — as reason the matchup would be a natural next step. The Hawaiian also noted he is targeting a path back to gold after losing the BMF title to Charles Oliveira earlier this year.
Max Holloway is mapping out his next move following a victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 329, and the Hawaiian has made clear he sees two compelling paths forward — a trilogy fight with McGregor or a shot at Justin Gaethje's lightweight title.
Holloway, now 28-9 at 34 years old, competes out of Gracie Technics and is ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth pound-for-pound. The five-foot-eleven Orthodox striker is one of the sport's most prolific offensive fighters, averaging an extraordinary 6.92 significant strikes landed per minute. The win over McGregor came after a difficult stretch that included losing the BMF title to Charles Oliveira earlier this year, and Holloway has made clear he wants gold back around his waist one way or another.
Standing in the way of the title-shot option is current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, a fellow five-foot-eleven Orthodox fighter who carries a 28-5 record into his reign. "The Highlight," now 37, averages 6.48 significant strikes per minute with a 58 percent accuracy rate — a combination that makes him one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport at 155 pounds. Holloway pointed specifically to their previous meeting at UFC 300, where he knocked Gaethje out with one second remaining on the clock, as evidence that a rematch would carry enormous narrative weight.
Why it matters
- Holloway is ranked fourth at lightweight and needs a signature win to reclaim championship status after losing the BMF title to Oliveira
- A rematch with Gaethje — the reigning champion — would be a direct title fight, with their first meeting already considered one of the most dramatic moments in recent UFC history
- The McGregor trilogy alternative keeps a high-profile rivalry alive but would not carry a title on the line
- Charles Oliveira, ranked third at lightweight at 37-11, looms as another potential factor in the division's title picture
