Did Max Holloway Find His New Home in the Lightweight Division?
Former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway has certainly made an impact in the Lightweight Division. After defeating UFC legend Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 318, Holloway is riding a two-fight win streak in the 155 lb Division. With wins over Dustin Poirier and the legendary knockout over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway keeps adding on to an iconic resume. Can the ‘Blessed Express’ keep rolling on in a new weight class?
Max Holloway is widely regarded as one of the best Featherweights in UFC history. Making his UFC debut in 2012 against his most recent opponent, Dustin Poirier, Holloway started his UFC career with a mediocre 3-3 record. Mediocrity would soon give way to dominance, as following his defeat to Conor McGregor, Max Holloway would go five years without a loss. After capturing the UFC Featherweight Championship from the iconic Jose Aldo at UFC 212, Holloway would defend the belt two times before trying his hand at the Lightweight Division for the first time on the hunt for double champ status.
After a five-round war, Max Holloway would lose his second fight to Dustin Poirier, this time in the 155 lb division for the Interim Lightweight Championship. Holloway would return his focus to the Featherweight Division, defending his championship one last time before running into the roadblock that is Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski would take the championship from Holloway, following up his championship win by defending it against Holloway in his first defense. Holloway would defeat every Featherweight contender put in front of him in search of a third chance to reclaim his Featherweight Championship from Volkanovski. However, after being dominated by Volkanovski for five rounds and suffering his third loss to the Australian, it became clear that a change of scenery was needed for Holloway.
Throughout his career, Max Holloway has always been regarded as one of the best pure boxers in the UFC. His pressure boxing, equipped with an iron chin, has made him a tough fight for anyone. However, after making a permanent move up to the Lightweight Division, Max Holloway's striking has seemingly gotten even better. The most noticeable improvement in Holloway’s standup is the power he possesses at 155 lbs. A lifetime Featherweight, Holloway will have the speed advantage against nearly every fighter he faces at Lightweight. Holloway has already solidified himself as a serious contender in the Lightweight Division. With wins over Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, a rematch against Ilia Topuria, this time for the Lightweight Championship, looks like a whole different matchup for the two Lightweight newcomers.
