In Photos: Max Holloway looks dapper as he scorches cover of SWAGGER magazine

Max Holloway has not competed since UFC 300 in April when he picked up a last-second knockout victory against Justin Gaethje to capture the symbolic 'BMF' title. He was the biggest winner of the landmark card. In addition to earning a featherweight title shot and $600,000 in bonuses, the already popular 'Blessed' saw his star power skyrocket.

As he prepares to challenge Ilia Topuria for the 145-pound belt at UFC 308, the No. 2-ranked featherweight graced the cover of SWAGGER magazine. The UFC's official account shared the photos on Instagram, captioning the post:

"🚨 🔥 Max Holloway is on the cover of SWAGGER Magazine! Discover the legacy, longevity, and legends that have inspired this UFC champion. 👊 🌟 Credits: @Swaggermag x @BlessedMMA Photography: @ewillphoto Exec. Editor: @kristenanzelc Editor in Chief: @drewwill.iams Copywriter: Peter Smith #UFC #SwaggerMagazine #MaxHolloway #CoverStory #Champion"

Check out photos of Max Holloway from SWAGGER magazine below (courtesy @ufc on Instagram):

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Max Holloway claims the UFC was protecting Ilia Topuria from him

Max Holloway will have the opportunity to claim the featherweight title when he faces Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 next month. 'Blessed' recently expressed that he believes the UFC was keeping 'El Matador' away from him on his rise to capturing the title. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the No. 2-ranked featherweight stated:

"A lot of people are giving Ilia heat for the strength of the schedule he had to the title fight, but he did what he's supposed to do. He won, plain and simple. He beat a guy that I had three times at a crack to beat, and he did it. He had the shot, but I believe the UFC made me fight every other contender at 145 [pounds] except him for a reason. And we're here now and I'm going to prove come October 26th why the UFC were shelling him away from me."

Check out Max Holloway's comments on Ilia Topuria below (1:10):

Holloway held the undisputed featherweight title from June 2017 until December 2019, defending the belt three times before falling to Alexander Volkanovski. While he was unable to get past 'The Great' in three matchups, he will once again have the opportunity to join Jose Aldo as the only two-time champion in division history.