A former hunter believes that Max Holloway should be made to go Paddy Pimblett after UFC 318 while he wants to protect a rematch with Ilia Topuria.
Holloway's continuous ambitions of Tweedivisie Glory received a considerable boost in Saturday's pay-per-view Main Event when he played Spoiler in a big night before the Louisianan audience.
In the Smoothie King Center of New Orleans, home favorite Dustin Poirier retired after a defeat against Holloway in their trilogy for the symbolic BMF title of the Hawaiian. The result was crucial for Holloway, who insisted that, in contrast to 'the diamond', his career is far from the end.
After Ilia had hit Topuria Holloway last year to send 'blessed' back to lightweight, the Spaniard itself went up and captured the 155 pound crown in June. This means that the sights of Holloway are back on 'El Matador' in a division in which he now feels more at home.
But while some threw that Rematch immediately after UFC 318, a UFC legend has another matchup in mind.
Chael Sonnen Pitches Max Holloway vs. Paddy Pimblett Na UFC 318
Among those present in New Orleans for Poirier's farewell fight on UFC 318 was former hunter Chael Sonnen, who again served as an analyst at the ESPN agency for the latest PPV of the promotion.
In the aftermath of the Triumph of Holloway, 'The Bad Guy' looked ahead to what could lie in his future after he became the first man who once successfully defended the BMF title.
After he apparently reached his conclusion of the next fight by the Hawaiian, Sonnen went to X and presented a confrontation between Holloway and emerging lightweight competition Paddy Pimblett.
“Max v Paddy,” wrote Sonnen.
Pimblett is one of those who campaigned for the first shot at the dismissal of Topuria, with whom he has shared a heated rivalry for years.
In addition to Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, the Scouser Now Holloway has in the title photo on 155 pounds.
Fans respond to the matchmaking of Chael Sonnen, pitch other opponents for Max Holloway
The post from Sonnen received a mixed response.
Many fans went to the commentary part to support Holloway's idea to Pimblett or to pitch alternatives.
A number of matchups came on, with even Conor McGregor a surprising view.
“No, Paddy v Ilia. Max vs Conor (McGregor) in the White House.”
“Good fight, the winner gets Ko'd through Ilia.”
“No, Gaethje vs Paddy and Ilia vs Tsarukyan.”
No, Gaethje vs Paddy and Ilia vs Tsarukyan
– Shanedogg5280 (@Shanedogg5280) 20 July 2025
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“Nah, Max vs Conor in the White House for the BMF.”
“No, it's Max vs Topuria or Paddy vs Topuria.”
“Arman vs Topuria, Gaethje vs Paddy, Max vs Hooker, Ruffy vs Dariush.”