Max Holloway, an undeniable all-time great, faced a tough defeat against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. In a stunning performance, Topuria did what no one had done before—overwhelming Holloway and breaking through his granite chin to secure a decisive finish.

With this chapter at 145 lbs seemingly closed, Holloway has set his sights on a new target. According to Championship Rounds, he’s now ready to make his mark in the 155 lbs division, a fresh goal for the former featherweight champion.

He said, “I gotta sit down with coaches, I gotta talk with the team. But you know it I got to choose a timeline for International Fight Week. I would love to be back in Las Vegas. The fight card is international it’s fight week all the time. I don’t know who’s gonna be available at the time but ideally, International Fight Week, Las Vegas, big fight card. Make my return back to 155 and uh with me being ranked at 155 is great. Hopefully, I can fight somebody in front of me we get a big win you know.”

Max Holloway wants to return in the summer of 2025 at International Fight Week 👀

“Making my return back to 155… hopefully I can fight someone [ranked] in front of me.

We get a big win, we might be knocking on another title fight at 155.”

🎥 @BlessedMMApic.twitter.com/SyMdgaSUSg

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 2, 2024

Holloway’s further iterated his transition in a video on his YouTube channel, declaring, “I can honestly say that I’m done with the 145-pound division. 155, here we come—and 155 is where I want to stay. This is a new chapter; this is where we begin.” Taking time to reflect on the loss, the BMF champ has decided to leave the featherweight division behind. Now, with renewed focus and drive, “Blessed” is ready to make his mark in the 155-pound division.

Max Holloway is ready to resurrect from the ashes

“This is like my phoenix moment—rising from the ashes, reborn,” Max Holloway shared on Saturday via his YouTube channel. “We’re moving on to bigger, better things, stepping through a new door, and starting a new chapter.” At 33, Holloway even joked about finally being able to enjoy his beloved ramen without the weight-cut struggles of 145 lbs. Embracing this change, he’s set on moving to 155 lbs, a shift that will bring about a complete physical transformation—something the Hawaiian fighter is excited about.

Holloway also expressed his eagerness for what lies ahead: “I can’t wait for the future. If you thought that version of myself against Gaethje at 300 was good, wait until I get in the lab with my coaches and put on some size.” With a summer 2025 return in mind, “Blessed” is open to all options, including defending his BMF title against a high-profile contender or exploring other paths in the lightweight division.

What are your thoughts on Holloway’s bold decision? Can he excel at 155 lbs, and should this setback simply be seen as a stepping stone? Share your opinions in the comments below!