Where Does Max Holloway Go From Here?

Disappointment washed over the face of the greatest featherweight of all time this past weekend when Bruce Buffer asserted the phrase “And Still,” revealing the judges’ controversial scorecards and awarding Alexander Volkanovski the victory once again.

It’s almost unheard of to be just 28 years old and already a sure-fire bet for the Hall of Fame, but that’s exactly the situation Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway finds himself in.

He could retire today and nobody would think less of him, yet anyone who’s tracked this warrior’s career knows retirement is likely a long ways away. Right now, Holloway is staying positive in the midst of his first losing streak since 2013:

Who will Holloway find himself facing next? Assuming the ‘Blessed’ era does indeed continue.

Option A: Alexander Volkanovski III

Everybody and their mother had Holloway avenging his loss against Volkanovski in their rematch except the three men judging the contest. It’s not often that a promotion would even consider a third fight when one man has won the first two, but this situation warrants it.

UFC President Dana White had this to say regarding the judging of UFC 251’s co-main event:

“Listen, man, you can’t leave it to these guys,” he said. “We’ve got some bad judging. Has Max been in here yet? I’m sure he’s devastated.”

The old adage in this sport is do not leave the outcome in the hands’ of the judges, but it’s tough to digest when nearly everyone had it going the other way.

As of now, White is uncertain whether or not they’ll run it back right away:

“I dunno. Did anybody in here score it for Volkanovski?” he asked the media members. “Nobody in the media? I don’t know. We’ll have to figure it out.”

It’s unlikely that Volkanovski would welcome a third fight right away as he was so eager to close this chapter of his career prior to Saturday’s fight. Still, if White and the matchmakers feel strongly about running it back again then it’s possible we see it for a third time sooner rather than later.

Option B: Tony Ferguson

There’s not a fight fan alive who wouldn’t run to their TV to catch Max Holloway and Tony Ferguson square off inside the octagon.

Two straight losses at 145lbs (albeit narrow decision losses) may entice ‘Blessed’ to move back up to lightweight, where he hasn’t fought since losing to Dustin Poirier back in April 2019.

A couple of fan-favorites with incredibly entertaining styles and granite chins, this is a match-up made in heaven and almost guaranteed to deliver.

Plus, with a win over Ferguson, Holloway will be immediately thrust into the 155lb title conversation. Plenty of fighters have discovered newfound success and glory after changing weight classes, e.g., Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, and Jorge Masvidal.

Needless to say, Tony Ferguson is a very viable next option for Max Holloway.

Option C: Wait

Max Holloway doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody, being one of the most decorated fighters to ever step in the octagon. Waiting to see how things unfold in both the 145lb and 155lb divisions could be the most wise move for him at this point in time.

Eight to twelve months from now both divisions could look totally different.

For instance, the top six guys at featherweight currently have fights booked (excluding Holloway and Volkanovski), so Max would have more possibilities to choose from based on how those scheduled bouts play out.

Meanwhile, the lightweight division presents more potential names such as Hooker, Felder, and Oliveira; though none of the three before-mentioned names are as big of a draw as the opponents Max is used to fighting.

A family man first and a fighter second, it’s feasible to envision Holloway taking some time away from the octagon and allowing things to play out in front of him.

Whether it’s a third crack at Volkanovski, a fight against some fresh blood, or taking some time off, it’s clear that Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway isn’t finished writing his legacy in this sport.

At just 28 years of age, Holloway has a lot of unfinished business to take care of in the UFC.