With UFC 326 just around the corner, the MMA community is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The event promises to be a thrilling one, with some of the biggest names in the sport set to take the octagon. One fighter who has been making headlines recently is Max Holloway, who is set to face off against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event of UFC 326. However, while many believe that a win for Holloway could lead to a potential lightweight title shot, the fighter himself has different plans.
Holloway, who is known for his impressive record in the featherweight division, has been vocal about his desire to move up to the lightweight division. However, with a title unification fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in the works for the White House Card, Holloway has set his sights on a different opponent – Conor McGregor.
In a recent interview, Holloway made it clear that he has no interest in fighting for the lightweight title at the moment. Instead, he wants to use the time to build up a potential fight with McGregor. The two fighters have a history, with Holloway being the only man to defeat McGregor in the UFC. And while McGregor is currently focused on his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier, Holloway believes that a fight between the two of them would be a huge draw for the fans.
“You’d be stupid not to want to fight Conor McGregor,” Holloway said. “He’s one of the biggest names in the sport and a fight between us would be huge. I know he’s got his hands full with Poirier right now, but I’m ready and willing to fight him whenever he’s ready.”
Holloway’s confidence and determination to face McGregor is not surprising. The Hawaiian fighter has been on a roll lately, with impressive wins over Calvin Kattar and Brian Ortega. His performance against Kattar, in particular, was hailed as one of the greatest in UFC history, with Holloway setting a new record for the most significant strikes landed in a single fight.
But despite his success, Holloway knows that a fight with McGregor would be a whole different ballgame. The Irish fighter is known for his knockout power and trash-talking skills, which have made him one of the most polarizing figures in the sport. However, Holloway is not one to back down from a challenge and is confident that he has what it takes to defeat McGregor once again.
“I’ve already beaten him once, and I know I can do it again,” Holloway said. “But I also know that he’s a dangerous fighter, and I have a lot of respect for him. It would be an honor to share the octagon with him once again.”
While a fight between Holloway and McGregor is yet to be confirmed, the potential matchup has already generated a lot of buzz among fans. And with both fighters known for their entertaining styles, it’s no surprise that many are eagerly waiting for the two to face off once again.
In the meantime, Holloway is focused on his upcoming fight with Rodriguez, a dangerous opponent who is known for his unorthodox striking style. But the Hawaiian fighter is confident that he has what it takes to come out on top and continue his journey towards a potential rematch with McGregor.
“I respect Yair and what he brings to the table, but I’m on a mission, and nothing is going to stop me,” Holloway said. “I’m ready to put on a show for the fans and prove once again why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”
In conclusion, while many may have expected Holloway to go after the lightweight title, his decision to pursue a fight with McGregor shows his determination and confidence in his abilities. And with the potential for a blockbuster matchup between the two, it’s safe to say that UFC 326 is shaping up to be an event that fans won’t want to miss.
