Max Holloway became the first man to knock out Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis at UFC 206 in December 2016. ‘Blessed’ earned the UFC Interim featherweight crown, a ticket to challenge then-champion Jose Aldo for the 145 lbs gold.
That said, Holloway relished the essence of winning the UFC title for the first time after he stopped Pettis. He then went on to become one of the most decorated featherweight champions of all time in the promotion. Except for the current champion Alexander Volkanovski, no other fighter has been able to beat Max Holloway at 145 lbs so far.
He is still the no. one-ranked featherweight in the UFC and is close to earning another title shot. However, the win over Pettis might remain special for umpteen causes. Max Holloway recently sat down for UFC’s YT channel and talked about it.
He said, “It’s me driving home after a long training, it’s me just by myself at home in my room. And then you just close your eyes and you just envision Bruce Buffer and this moment that you just envision and envision and envision at times when you’re by yourself.”
“And just thinking of that feeling, you’re thinking of Dana White putting that around your waist kind of like an out of body [experience], like I felt like I was someone in the crowd watching me get it, and it’s just a crazy feeling it was just insane to be there in the moment.”
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When Can Max Holloway Return again?
After falling 0-3 against Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway is currently on a two-fight win streak. He beat Arnold Allen via unanimous decision in April 2023 and then knocked out Chan Sung Jung ‘The Korean Zombie’ in August. The 32-year-old is still a feared featherweight.
There are rumors that Max Holloway can challenge Justin Gaethje for the BMF title. The potential bout can happen at 155 lbs (lightweight). However, it is s till not official. Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski will defend his 145 lbs belt against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. Holloway can also face the winner of that fight. Hence, the Hawaiian star can return in early 2024.
