Max Holloway: I Want That Win Back Over Conor McGregor
With the UFC featherweight division having recently been brought into a period of overarching popularity thanks to Irish star Conor McGregor, surging 23-year-old competitor Max Holloway had kind of gotten lost in the shuffle of the all-out media blitz for “Notorious’” UFC 189 showdown with longtime division champion Jose Aldo.
He put his name on the map on the grand stage by outclassing Cub Swanson at last night’s (Sat., April 18, 2015) UFC on FOX 15 from Newark, New Jersey, for his impressive sixth straight victory, yet it’s his last loss that continues to haunt “Blessed.”
That loss was a decision defeat to McGregor at UFC Fight Night 26 two years ago, a bout where “Notorious” appeared to have little trouble handling Holloway despite tearing his ACL during an early grappling exchange. Detailing his mindset during the post-fight press conference, Holloway said he wants to avenge his loss to McGregor:
“I want to beat the guys who beat me, and I want that win back over Conor McGregor,” Holloway said. “He keeps saying the only reason he didn’t finish me is because he had a hurt knee. It’s disrespectful. So, let’s test that. I’d love to fight him again, but I’ll fight anyone any time, any place.”
Holloway does hold the dubious distinction of being the only UFC featherweight who hasn’t been finished by McGregor during his five-fight rush to a title shot. He’s knocked out the other four, and is the pick of many to finally wrest the belt from Aldo’s iron grip at UFC 189.
However, Holloway is also on another level right now; fighting at a plane seemingly miles above the state he came into his first bout with McGregor as a still-green 21-year-old. By beating No. 5-ranked Swanson, Holloway undoubtedly put himself in line for a huge bout against Chad Mendes or the winner of UFC Fight Night 66’s Frankie Edgar vs. Urijah Faber ‘super fight.’
Even if he can’t beat either of those opponents to get another shot at McGregor, the future is still extremely bright for the classy and confident Holloway.
If he can, well, then his perceived time as the UFC featherweight champion could potentially be here a lot sooner than we all thought.
Do you think Holloway will be UFC champ one day?
Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
