M. Holloway at a press conference after UFC 240. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
Max Holloway is the main name among UFC featherweights in recent years. After making another successful title defense by beating the American Frankie Edgar, this Saturday (27), at UFC 240, in Edmonton (CAN), the athlete, however, avoided comparisons with the former champion of the category, José Aldo. The statement was made in a press conference after the event. The triumph represented Max's third title defense.
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“I’m trying to be a legend. I want to be the best pound for pound in the world. I have to keep working. (José) Aldo is still the man. He still has the most wins, he has the most title defenses. So until I break those records, I can't have those kinds of conversations,” Holloway said.
The Hawaiian is a declared fan of Manauara, who he beat on two occasions; both in 2017. The first time he shared the octagon with the Brazilian, Max was responsible for taking the belt from José. While he was the absolute number one in the division, the 'People's Champion' defended his title on seven occasions. Aldo's reign lasted more than four years and ended after the fateful meeting with Conor McGregor, in 2015, when the Brazilian was brutally knocked out in less than 20 seconds of combat.
Max also spoke about his desire to hold another fight in 2019. According to the athlete, however, the possibility of a new title defense is subject to his passing the routine medical exams that are carried out after all UFC events. In the interview, Holloway signaled that he would be available for another fight in the first week of December and the possible opponent could be Aldo's last tormentor, Alexander Volkanovsky.
Recently the featherweight champion ventured into the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) to try to win the interim belt in the category. In the duel that took place in April, Holloway faced the American Dustin poirier and ended up defeated in a unanimous decision by the judges. The clash, however, was very even. The defeat to Poirier put an end to a winning streak that lasted 13 clashes. Among the featherweights, however, Max remains undefeated. His last setback for the division happened in 2013, almost six years ago, when the athlete lost to Conor McGregor in the unanimous decision of the judges.
At 27 years old, Holloway has 23 fights in his career, with 20 triumphs and only three setbacks.
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