Max Holloway's BMF belt targeted by surging lightweight contender to expedite undisputed title opportunity

When Max Holloway last spoke about his current career trajectory, he was planning a permanent move to lightweight. Now, a rising 155-pounder looking to break into the top 10 and eventually fight for the title has taken aim at Holloway's BMF belt, believing it can catapult him into an undisputed title fight.

The fighter in question is none other than Renato Moicano, whose popularity has grown as of late due to his unfiltered personality and over-the-top post-fight interviews. The Brazilian spoke to MMA Fighting's Damon Martin about his plans forward, and didn't hesitate to reveal that they could include Holloway.

"Yeah, 100%. I would love to do that, you know? Especially Max Holloway now. He says he's done at 145 [pounds], and if he really wants to be a 155'er, I think that would be an awesome fight, especially because they're gonna put me on the... 100% if you beat Max Holloway, you fight for the title."

Check out Renato Moicano's thoughts on fighting Max Holloway (13:57):

Moicano is currently on an excellent run of form, having authored a four-fight win streak, three of which were finishes. Meanwhile, Holloway is coming off the first knockout loss of his career courtesy of Ilia Topuria, who defended his featherweight title by stopping the Hawaiian in round three at UFC 308.

The loss snapped Holloway's stunning three-fight win streak. After failing to recapture his featherweight title for the third time, he announced a permanent move to the lightweight division in search of greener pastures.

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Max Holloway found spectacular success in his last lightweight bout

Despite losing to Ilia Topuria in devastating fashion, Max Holloway enjoyed a stellar first-half of 2024. At UFC 300, he took on then BMF champion Justin Gaethje in a return to the lightweight division. The pair had a scrap for the ages, with Holloway getting the better of 'The Highlight' throughout, but only just.

Toward the end of the five-rounder, Holloway did as he always does, motioning to the center of the octagon and pointing to the ground. Gaethje obliged, and with ten seconds remaining, they traded punches.

Check out Max Holloway knocking out Justin Gaethje:

Amid the storm of flying fists, Holloway obliterated Gaethje with a right hook that knocked him out cold with just one second remaining, setting the arena alight.