What’s next for Max Holloway after UFC 329? 3 Fights to make
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UFC 329 has come and gone. While the card delivered some incredible moments, it ended in the most deflating way possible. Conor McGregor returned after five years off, and it ended in 69 seconds. McGregor blew his knee out after…
UFC 329 has come and gone. While the card delivered some incredible moments, it ended in the most deflating way possible. Conor McGregor returned after five years off, and it ended in 69 seconds.
McGregor blew his knee out after one left high kick attempt, and Max Holloway came out victorious. The headlines have been focused on McGregor, which is valid since he’s the biggest star ever in this sport.
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One question that’s not being asked enough is: what does Holloway do next? The former Featherweight champion now primarily competes at Lightweight but came up to Welterweight to fight McGregor.
Holloway said he wants to run it back with McGregor, but who knows when that would be since McGregor is going to have knee surgery. If Holloway wants to stay active, he goes back down to 155 pounds and fights a contender that can earn him a title shot.
Here’s who Holloway should fight next, along with other fights that should be booked in the UFC’s Lightweight division.
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Max Holloway vs Arman Tsarukyan
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Holloway is realistically one win away from a lightweight title shot. Arman Tsarukyan has been booked for a title fight before, but pulled out the day before due to a back injury.
Tsarukyan is widely viewed as one of the two best lightweights on the planet. The inactivity is what’s kept him out of the title picture as of late, though.
A win over Dan Hooker at the end of 2025 shouldn’t be enough to earn the next title shot against current champion Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan should have to fight a true top contender, and Holloway is the perfect dance partner.
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Paddy Pimblett vs Ilia Topuria
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Paddy Pimblett celebrates after defeating Benoit Saint Denis. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Pimblett made a statement by submitting Benoit Saint Denis in less than a minute. After that victory and a gutsy performance against Gaethje despite the loss, the demand for Pimblett has never been higher.
Ilia Topuria is still viewed as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. That being said, he doesn’t deserve an immediate rematch against Gaethje after the beating he took at the White House.
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Book this No. 1 contender fight as a co-main event on the December numbered event. This is the best non-title fight that the UFC has to offer.
Lightweight Championship: Justin Gaethje vs Charles Oliveira
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES; Justin Gaethje holds his championship belt after his win against Ilia Topuria. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Gaethje will continue fighting after winning the lightweight title at the White House. If there’s anyone who deserves a title shot against Gaethje, it’s Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira has a win over Gaethje and a win over Max Holloway, who flatlined Gaethje. The only argument against Oliveira getting the next title shot is that Tsarukyan has a win over him.
Even so, Tsarukyan squandered his title shot opportunity and hasn’t been as active as Oliveira has since they fought at UFC 300.
This rematch between Gaethje and Oliveira should be the main event of the November or December numbered card. Ideally, there’s another lightweight fight with huge stakes under that main event.