Although it may seem like Max Holloway is in a tough position for his UFC 318 fight, he believes that things have worked exactly to his advantage.
On July 19, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will collide for the BMF title in the UFC 318 Main Event when the promotion returns to New Orleans for the latest dance of Poirier.
In anticipation of their trilogy fight, Holloway has stated that he has to win because he does not want to make an unwanted UFC history piece by losing both trilogies in which he has been involved.
Not only that, but for his BMF title defense, Holloway has made a request to the UFC that it is removed from the rankings of the feather weight because it is still arranged bizarre number one.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Holloway explains why he was 'The Happiest Man Alive' when Topuria won a lightweight title
Holloway's fight against 'The Diamond' will mark his first fight since he suffers the first KO -loss of his career when he fought Ilia Topuria on UFC 308 last year.
Since then, Topuria has proven his star force and continued to show why he is currently the biggest draw in sport, where Charles Oliveira was eliminated a few weeks ago at UFC 317 to become the new lightweight champion.
Although a large majority of the UFC fan base assumed that 'blessed' would have been disappointed to see 'El Matador' rise to lightweight and win the title, he explained why he is of the opposite opinion.
“(How would a fight go between us at 155 pounds?) We just have to discover it, right?” Holloway told Mmajunkie.
“A fight of 155 pounds? We'll just have to discover it. First I was first, I was in the clouds, many people thought I would be like” oh my God, what the hell is he coming to 155 pounds? ” I was in the clouds when he announced that he is coming to 155 pounds.
“And when I found out that he got the title shot, I was like 'oh my God'. Even the title shot with both, when they announced Oliveira and Topuria for the title shot, I think I was the happiest man who was alive because I have history with two boys.
“I know that (Ilia) likes to walk around with a BMF title, but if he wants an authentic will, he knows where he can find me,” Holloway continued.
Charles Oliveira calls for a fight against Max Holloway
And now only a few weeks away from his loss to 'El Matador', Oliveira has now revealed that he wants to return to the Octagon in November and Holloway has emphasized his ideal next opponent.
The two met for the first time in 2015 and Oliveira received a 'quitter' before leaving the fight due to an injury.