Max Holloway is keeping his options open ahead of UFC 329 and isn’t ruling out a future at welterweight after his rematch with Conor McGregor.
The former UFC featherweight champion will move up to 170 pounds for the first time in his career when he faces McGregor in the UFC 329 main event on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
While many view the fight as a one-time venture into the welterweight division, Max Holloway says he is willing to see where things lead after the bout.
“We’ll see what happens,” Holloway told MMA Junkie. “Never say never to staying at 170 after this. I’m not a guy that wants to jump to conclusions. We’ll do what we do, and we’re going to figure it out after that.
“I have history with the champion at 155. A lot of people are talking that even though this fight is at 170, the winner of our fight could go down and fight at ’55.”
Max Holloway has competed at lightweight in three of his last four fights. During that run, he defended his BMF title against Dustin Poirier before losing the belt to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next move, Holloway is embracing the possibilities that could emerge after UFC 329.
“I see a lot of people talking about the winner of this could even go and jump to see Islam Makhachev,” Holloway said. “At the end of the day, I don’t know what’s going on. We’ll see.The UFC loves throwing curveballs. They love doing wild stuff. If you told me after my last fight that I’d be here fighting Conor McGregor in my next one, I would’ve told you you’re lying. So we’re here now, and life is good.”
Although McGregor has significantly more experience competing at welterweight, Max Holloway insists he isn’t worried about any size disadvantage.
The Hawaiian star believes the focus on weight classes is overblown and is eager to prove he belongs at 170 pounds.
“Weight is nothing but a number,” Holloway said. “Everyone is saying, ‘Small this, small that.’ We’re going to find out Saturday night. It is what it is. I can’t wait. I’m grateful that the UFC blessed me with this opportunity. At the end of the day, I just can’t wait to go out there and have some fun.”
Max Holloway also revealed that he and his team have put in the work necessary to prepare for the jump in weight as he looks to avenge his unanimous decision loss to McGregor from their first meeting in 2013.
At the time, both men competed at featherweight. More than a decade later, they will renew their rivalry on a much bigger stage and in a heavier division.
“I’m going to be a good size,” Holloway said. “I’m a pretty good size 170, I’m going to tell you that much. Shout out to my wife. My wife has been holding it down in the kitchen for me. I brought Tyler Minton again. He’s back with me helping me out a little bit. Then fight week out here I have Ivan Flores as a striking coach, so I think we have all our bases covered.”
For now, Max Holloway remains focused on McGregor. However, whether his future lies at featherweight, lightweight or welterweight, the former champion appears ready to embrace whatever opportunities come his way after UFC 329.
