Max Holloway is eager to put his KO loss to Ilia Topuria behind him with a big fight in 2025. However, his next fight won't be at featherweight.
Speaking about his return plans in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, the BMF title-holder stated that he now intends to take some time off and plan his next move with his coaching staff.
'Blessed' added that if it was up to him, he would like to return during the International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Furthermore, Holloway is keen on making his return to the 155-pound division, where he won the BMF strap.
The 32-year-old believes a quality win against a ranked opponent could fetch him a crack at the lightweight title. Talking about his return plans, Holloway said:
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"Ideally International Fight Week, Las Vegas, making my return to [the] 155 [pound division]. And with me being ranked at [1]55 [pounds] is great. Hopefully, I can fight somebody in front of me. We get a big win [and] who knows, we might be knocking on another title fight at 155 [pounds], you know, at lightweight... The BMF title is a 155 [pound] title. So, if it's the BMF title with someone, so be it. If it's a No.1-contender fight for 155 so be it. Whatever [the] UFC wants to throw at me."
Check out Max Holloway's comments below:
If 'Blessed' gets his way, fans can expect him back in action around mid-June to early July, which has historically been the timeline for the International Fight Week.
Holloway, a dominant force in the featherweight division, has etched his legacy with three undisputed title defenses to his name. However, his loss to Topuria at UFC 308 marked his third failed bid to recapture the 145-pound title.
With another title shot at featherweight unlikely, Holloway's future in the UFC might now lie in the lightweight division.
Watch Max Holloway get KO'd by Ilia Topuria below: