Could Max Holloway Be Next for Conor McGregor?
Could Max Holloway Be Next for Conor McGregor?
By Tim Burke November 04, 2024 16:32
The biggest star in MMA history, Conor McGregor, is expected to attempt the most incredible comeback in UFC history early next year.
"Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025." Dana White told the New York Post in September.
The question remains: Who will be his opponent? Since the summer of 2023, Conor McGregor has been scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. They even had a date: UFC 303, June 29th, for International Fight Week. Unfortunately, McGregor infamously pulled out of the fight two weeks before the scheduled matchup.
After two years of waiting to face McGregor, Michael Chandler moved on and is currently scheduled to fight Charles Olivera at UFC 309 in November.
"It is going to be determined when Conor returns who the opponent is," White told fans at the Q&A for Callum Walsh's fight in September. So for now, the MMA world is in suspense about who McGregor's next opponent will be.
Max Holloway is coming off a loss at UFC 308 to Ilia Topuria. The former McGregor opponent is still a massive draw in the UFC and is the current BMF champion. This is the perfect time for Holloway to face McGregor.
"I can honestly say I think I'm done with 145. Your boy is getting older. I turn 33. This cut – no excuses. This cut was easy, bro. Shout out to my wife. They helped make this cut really easy, but it takes a toll cutting weight, period. No matter what weight you are." Holloway stated on his YouTube channel following his loss at UFC 308. Now that Holloway is moving up in weight, he will be able to book plenty of interesting BMF fights, such as Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, Charles Olivera, and perhaps Conor McGregor.
The 36-year-old Irishman has not stepped foot in the Octagon in over three years. Due to his significant wealth, questions about his motivation and commitment to MMA have surrounded McGregor for years.
However, the BMF belt is something that would undoubtedly motivate McGregor to step foot in the Octagon.
The BMF belt represents the sport's toughest, most exciting, and worst fighters. That is what Conor McGregor believes he is. Also, Max Holloway deserves the rematch.
McGregor met Holloway in Boston in 2013. McGregor won a unanimous decision. McGregor was 25 years old; Holloway was only 21. Both fighters went on to have incredible Hall of Fame careers, but they never fought each other when they were at their biggest.
Both fighters are searching for their next opponent. MMA fans want to see this fight, and the fighters want it. It is probably the biggest fight the UFC can make for McGregor's return. When will McGregor return, where will it be, and who will the UFC book as his opponent? Those are three questions every MMA wants answered. Only time will tell.