Fresh off of his first knockout loss, Max Holloway is looking to recent history for inspiration.
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While live streaming on his Kick channel, the former featherweight king said he wants to follow Alex Pereira’s footsteps back to champ status.
“All I know is, we saw Alex Pereira get finished, right? Next fight, he fought for the number one contender spot. Fought for the title and he’s on a title run right now,” Max Holloway said. “A spectacular one,” he reiterated.
Alex Pereira found himself in a similar predicament to Max Holloway following his KO loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. “Poatan” moved up to light heavyweight, where he won a split decision over Jan Blachowicz that set him up for a title shot.
After winning the belt against Jiri Prochazka, he has defended the title three times, all by stoppages.
“Let’s mimic him, let’s do it,” Max Holloway said of his Brazilian counterpart. “I get inspiration in that. He’s a beast.”
Max Holloway’s Poatan-Like Path at Lightweight
Holloway has already taken Alex Pereira’s first step at redemption. Days after losing his latest opportunity for featherweight gold, he announced a move up the scale.
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Unlike Pereira, Holloway has committed to the higher weight class with prior experience. His most recent foray at 155 pounds netted him the BMF belt. While his latest setback may have halted that momentum, Holloway’s thrilling knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 has potentially set the stage for a formidable lightweight campaign.
One big difference between the circumstances Holloway will face is the landscape of the division. Pereira entered light heavyweight at a particularly turbulent time. Since Jon Jones vacated the title in 2020, the belt has changed hands four times. Additionally, both Jamahal Hill and Prochazka vacated due to an injury along with a draw in a fight between Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev to install a new champion.
Islam Makhachev has established stability at lightweight with his three defenses and an expected challenge from Arman Tsarukyan. However, the fan-friendly options, along with a proposed BMF tournament, could push Holloway to the front of the division.
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