Max Holloway talks about the future of the “BMF” title and praises Diego Lopes as a “beast” and a real contender

A big part of the reason Max Holloway fought Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was knowing that a win would give him numerous options for his career.

Not only did he win, but Holloway pulled off one of the greatest strikes in UFC history when he pointed to the floor late in the fifth round and dared Gaethje to throw with him. With one second left, Holloway delivered a stunning knockout that sent Gaethje face-first to the canvas as the crowd at T-Mobile Arena erupted in applause.

That fight crowned Holloway the “BMF” champion, but he ultimately decided his next step was a return to featherweight, where he will challenge Ilia Topuria for the title in the UFC 308 main event. While the title shot is all that matters to him at the moment, Holloway knows a win on Saturday will put him back in the same advantageous position and he promises he hasn't forgotten his other belt.

“Sure. I think so,” Holloway said of defending the “BMF” title. “At the end of the day in this sport you want to have options. I go out there, I raise my hand. What's the saying? The world is my oyster “I can’t wait.”

Assuming he survives Topuria and becomes a two-time featherweight world champion, Holloway knows there is still work to be done in that division as well.

Winning the title potentially prepares Holloway for a fourth fight against Alexander Volkanovski after suffering three losses to him in the past. After a knockout loss to Topuria in February, Volkanovski was promised a shot at the belt upon his return to action.

Of course, Holloway hasn't forgotten the other name at the moment and that one belongs to Diego Lopes, who is actually serving as the reserve fighter for the UFC 308 main event. Regardless of whether it's Volkanovski or Lopes next, Holloway can't wait to face such challenges as champion.

“He’s an animal,” Holloway said of Lopes. “The way he fought. Accept fights at short notice. When he shows up in these short-term fights, he's a beast. When I saw that he was the replacement, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the talk about Alex saying he was next in line and this and that, and then it makes sense that Alex would be there I'm not a replacement fighter. They told him he would win the next title fight.

“It's just strange that they tell Alex that he has the next title shot and then have another guy as his replacement. But I think so. If you look at the heavyweight division, anything can happen in the world. Ultimately, I think Diego Lopes is a promising rising star. He doesn't even come anymore. He does what he does. It's cool. Congratulations on having that moment.”

Before he can think about defending his “BMF” title or really pay attention to who’s next at featherweight, Holloway must first recapture the 145-pound title on Saturday.

While he can't quite put into words the feeling of winning at UFC 308 since it hasn't happened yet, Holloway has a good idea of ​​how much winning another title would mean to him.

“It’s going to be great,” Holloway said. “With all the naysayers, with all the doubters, with all the fan base he attracts, with all the support he has. It's going to be great. I can't wait to get out there and prove it to the world.

“To be the best, you have to beat the best and the best is ‘blessed.’ On October 26th I get to show it to the world again.”