Mac vs Max rematch should be top priority for UFC

UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway extended his win streak to 13 by defeating Brian Ortega (4th round TKO stoppage) at UFC 231.

Holloway has inevitably had his name linked to several lightweight contenders as he continues to clear out a featherweight division full of worthy adversaries.

But the Hawaiian native still has a score to settle with a former UFC featherweight champion in Conor McGregor, who handed him his last loss over five years ago. McGregor defeated a 21-year-old Holloway by unanimous decision in August 2013.

Since then, McGregor was catapulted into UFC stardom, holding UFC championships in two divisions. But he finds himself in need of a fresh lightweight contender after his submission loss at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.

A rematch is unlikely as Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson seem likely to cross paths again. McGregor has already convincingly defeated Dustin Poirer, albeit some time ago. And he has fought Nate Diaz twice.

In steps ‘Blessed’ to create a genuine lightweight contender super-fight. A bout that would make for a great introduction for Holloway to the lightweight division and a worthy challenge for McGregor, who finds himself outside of the title picture.

This matchup would pit Holloway’s volume striking and conditioning against McGregor’s power and accuracy. A win for either fighter would only add to their incredible career feats.

Both fighters are already considered among the greatest UFC featherweights of all time and hold wins over another featherweight legend in Jose Aldo. It would be interesting that the debate surrounding the greatest featherweight could be settled in the lightweight division.

Dana White expressed his desire for Holloway to move to the lightweight division after his UFC 231 victory.

“Max is a grown man, and we need to talk. But I’d like to see Max go to 55 (155lb) now. I think he’s done everything he can do at 45 (145lb). Why keep cutting that weight? I think there are some big things for him at 55,” White said.

And when asked how much influence he had over Holloway’s potential lightweight move, the UFC president simply responded, “A lot. I have a lot of influence.”

The only hurdle currently preventing the matchup is McGregor’s impending hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) regarding the infamous melee that took place after his bout with Nurmagomedov.

The NSAC hearing was set for December 11 but has now been pushed back to January 29. Both fighters have been handed a temporary suspension until the UFC 229 incident is resolved. McGregor and Nurmagomedov could be fined or sidelined with further suspensions.

Following his featherweight title defence, Holloway was thrown many names, both featherweights and lightweights as potential opponents.

“We’ll see what happens. I ain’t picky. Feed me. They all can get it,” Holloway responded.

When Holloway fought McGregor in 2013 he stepped in on late notice to face the Irishman. It was revealed that McGregor had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the bout, forcing him to take the fight to the ground in the later rounds.

The win marked the first time McGregor had failed to finish an opponent, and to this day Holloway and Diaz are his only two foes who have survived to see the judges’ scorecards. This, along with the fact that Holloway was just 21 when they fought, creates plenty of intrigue regarding a potential rematch.

A second meeting between Holloway and McGregor makes sense considering their history and standing in the featherweight division. It’s a big fight that can be promoted without a championship on either fighters’ shoulders.