A rematch 13 years in the making against former two-division champion Conor McGregor ended in just 69 seconds when the latter tore his ACL moments into the fight after landing awkwardly after attempting a leaping roundhouse kick. It was Holloway’s fifth win in his last seven fights, but the victory came in lackluster fashion. With McGregor likely shelved for the next year, fans are asking who Holloway will fight next if not an immediate rematch with the 38-year-old Irishman.
Holloway took to social media to let his fans know exactly who he wants next. I’m going to be here, I’m going to be ready, I’m going to get back in the gym. If it’s Conor next year, great.
If it’s a title shot in some type of weight class, great. I know he probably wants to get that one back. So, if it’s a title shot at either weight classes, sign your boy up.
If it’s a Conor McGregor fight again, I’ll sign on the dotted line.” Gaethje is fresh off a monster upset win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. He beat the previously undefeated lightweight champion via fourth-round TKO after retiring Topuria on his stool. Gaethje lost to Holloway in April 2024 via knockout with one second left in the fifth round.
The moment earned Holloway the 2024 Knockout of the Year award. A rematch for the lightweight championship makes a lot of sense. Conversely, Makhachev is riding a 17-fight win streak.
He ran out of challengers at lightweight and moved up to welterweight, where he won the belt in his 170-pound debut. A fight against Holloway at 170 would also make a lot of sense too. Makhachev and Holloway seem destined to weight at some point, whether at 155 or 170 pounds.
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