Could Max Holloway’s next move reignite one of the UFC’s most explosive rivalries? The answer might surprise you. Following his upcoming UFC 326 showdown with Charles Oliveira on March 7, Holloway isn’t shutting the door on a high-stakes rematch with Conor McGregor—a fight that could send shockwaves through the MMA world. But here’s where it gets controversial: Holloway, who lost to McGregor in 2013, believes a dominant win over Oliveira could thrust him back into undisputed title contention, yet he’s still entertaining the idea of revisiting old business with ‘The Notorious.’
Let’s break it down. Holloway and Oliveira first collided in 2015, with Holloway securing a win due to a bizarre, career-threatening injury to Oliveira. Fast forward to 2026, and the stakes are higher than ever. The BMF title is on the line, and Holloway’s victory could set the stage for a series of blockbuster matchups. With ties to interim champion Justin Gaethje, undisputed champ Ilia Topuria, and McGregor, Holloway’s future is brimming with possibilities. But this is the part most people miss: Holloway’s willingness to revisit his past with McGregor—despite his focus on the present—raises questions about his long-term strategy. Is he playing it safe, or is he eyeing a legacy-defining moment?
In a recent ESPN interview, Holloway played it cool when asked about calling out McGregor post-UFC 326. ‘Yeah, we’ll see what happens,’ he said, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded. ‘First thing is first… how many times have we seen guys talk about the future and then fall flat on their face?’ Fair point. Yet, he couldn’t resist hinting at bigger ambitions: ‘Imagine a UFC 300 moment all over again… the world is ours.’ Bold words, but could they become reality?
Meanwhile, McGregor’s return to the Octagon remains shrouded in speculation. After an 18-month hiatus, ‘The Notorious’ is targeting the UFC White House event on June 14, undergoing rigorous drug testing to prove his readiness. Rumors have linked him to Carlos Prates, but McGregor insists his comeback should settle his long-standing feud with Michael Chandler. Here’s the kicker: What if Holloway’s BMF title win sets up a McGregor rematch instead? It’s a polarizing idea, but one that could divide fans and critics alike.
So, what do you think? Should Holloway focus on the undisputed title or reignite his rivalry with McGregor? Is McGregor’s comeback fight against Chandler a must-see, or should the UFC explore other matchups? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over. And don’t forget to join our newsletter for more insights like this, delivered straight to your inbox every week!
