Max Holloway is actively preparing for a possible confrontation with Conor McGregor, moving strategically after losing the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. The fighter confirmed that he is training for the rematch and already has a preferred date in mind, with speculation pointing to July at Las Vegas.
Holloway confirms preparation for McGregor
Holloway doesn’t hide his ambition to face McGregor again. In an interview as the cover star of EA Sports UFC 6 Ultimate Edition, the Hawaiian made it clear that he follows the Irishman’s movements and is ready for the confrontation. “Eu already told you, man, if someone catches one of them, I want him to come back. I would love to face him again,” said the athlete about McGregor.
Holloway’s training progresses as McGregor seeks his own return to the Octagon. Recentemente, the 37-year-old Irishman participated in a surprise three-round boxing exhibition on April 3 against amateur Barry Nolan in Dublin. Embora did not constitute an official return to MMA, it marked McGregor’s biggest public activity in five years.
“Ele seems to be very hungry for victory. He put on a boxing exhibition not too long ago. Então was really cool to see,” said Holloway. “So I would like to have a rematch. Sei that is a huge fight. Qualquer fight with Conor McGregor is important.”
Data and negotiations not yet confirmed
Fama Daniel Cormier member Hall has publicly stated that Holloway is training for McGregor. Holloway himself confirmed the preparation, but denied that any contract had been officially signed. Rumores points to UFC 329 at Las Vegas on July 11th as a potential date, but nothing has been confirmed by either party.
“I’m seeing all the conversations you’re seeing. Eu hasn’t heard anything yet, but it wouldn’t be a bad time for it to happen,” Holloway revealed. The fighter recognizes that his current situation requires quick action to erase the memory of his recent defeat.
Análise clear of defeat to Oliveira
Holloway offers no justification for his performance at UFC 326, where he faced Charles Oliveira. The fighter was a betting favorite, but “Do Bronx” demonstrated superiority in grappling, controlling almost 21 minutes of the fight over the five rounds, without the need for a submission.
The MMA community was divided in its criticism. Alguns pointed out that Oliveira did not respect the BMF’s spirit of action, while others questioned Holloway’s ground defense. The Hawaiian clearly rejects both perspectives.
“Charles took the field, did what he had to do and it was his night,” explained Holloway. “One thing I hate is when I have a great performance and no one talks about how well I played. Eles only talks about how bad [the other player] played.”
Holloway harkens back to his debut fight against Cub Swanson to illustrate his point about competitive respect. Ele values opponents who do not look for excuses in defeats, reflecting their own stance.
Questões for size and wrestling
Diferenças physicals were evident on fight night. Oliveira appeared visibly bigger and stronger, despite both previously competing in the featherweight division. The Brazilian is also one of the best grappling fighters in UFC history. Ainda thus, Holloway absorbed much of the online criticism regarding his ground defense.
“If people think my wrestling is bad, they will continue to think my wrestling is bad,” Holloway said pragmatically. “I’m not going to change their minds. Só I need to get in there and prove that you’re only as good as your last fight.”
Legado and next priorities
The defeat reignited Holloway’s pursuit of McGregor, his most potential matchup. The community tends to forget that Holloway knocked out José Aldo twice and finished Justin Gaethje with a shot in the final seconds. Seu’s record for significant hits online remains on the rise and will likely never be broken.
Holloway recognizes that the frequency of fights in MMA is unfavorable compared to other sports. “MMA is the hardest sport because you fight once or twice a year. If you’re lucky, four times a year,” he noted. “If LeBron James or Steph Curry isn’t having a good night on Wednesday, they have a game on Friday to make everyone forget.”
Conquista staff in the games industry
Enquanto plans his comeback campaign, Holloway has reached a significant personal milestone:
- EA Cover Estrela Sports UFC 6 Ultimate Edition
- Jogador video game active since his early career
- Utilizou combos from the UFC 6 game in real fights in the early years
- Transmite live to his fan base regularly
- Considera this prize more valuable than most fighters
“Earlier in my career, I actually used some of the combos from the UFC game in real life,” Holloway recalled. “It’s crazy, man, to be here and on the cover. We’ve been dreaming about this since we were kids.”