Max Holloway teases potential move to Lightweight permanently after UFC 308 loss: ‘What else is there to do?’

Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com's various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities.

“Blessed” is most likely done with Featherweight.

Max Holloway suffered his first knockout loss of his legendary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at UFC 308 yesterday (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024) when Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria landed a wicked left hook that planted Holloway on the canvas from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE (watch highlights).

Following being knocked out for the first time, Holloway spoke to the media during the UFC 308 post-fight press conference (watch here) and teased a permanent move to the Lightweight division.

“I’m going sit down with my team. I had the best 145 cut here, but what else is there to do?” Holloway said. “I had a couple of times to reclaim [the Featherweight title], but with new guys coming up, yeah, that would be fun, but I think 155 looks more fun for fighting just more the caliber, everyone there, and the names there, it would look really exciting to put my name in the mix.”

Holloway has been a staple of the Featherweight division for his entire UFC career, but as he mentioned, there isn’t much left for him to accomplish other than fighting up-and-coming killers like Diego Lopes or Movsar Evolev.

“Blessed” has a 1-1 record in the Lightweight, and his last outing in that division was his absolutely epic knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Assuming he does make the move, there are entertaining matchups with Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev, and, of course, rematches with Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier.

The mixed martial arts (MMA) world will have to wait several months for Holloway to determine his next move because he intends to return in mid-2025.

“We’ll sit down with the team, relax, there’s nothing needed to be rushing back right now,” Holloway said. “Probably try to come back summer, big July card in Vegas, do something, see what happens. [The Lightweight division] looks really good right now.”

For complete UFC 308 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.