Max Holloway Shifts to Lightweight with New Ambitions

With an impressive career in the featherweight division, Max Holloway has cemented his position in the UFC. However, following a painful loss to Ilia Topuria in Abu Dhabi, Holloway confirmed his decision to leave featherweight to pursue new opportunities in the lightweight division in 2025.

Although he has only recently decided to move up to lightweight, Holloway is ready to take on top contenders thanks to his convincing victory over Justin Gaethje in the BMF title fight in April. Now ranked among the top five lightweights, Holloway could face big names in a title-eliminator match. However, many believe that instead of immediately challenging high-ranking fighters, Holloway should follow a more measured path to adapt and grow in this new weight class.

Daniel Cormier Advises Holloway to Lower His Targets Before Challenging Top-Level Fighters

Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier has expressed concerns about Holloway’s risky approach. Speaking on the “Good Guy / Bad Guy” show with Chael Sonnen on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Cormier suggested that Holloway should take a step-by-step approach in the lightweight division to build strength and experience instead of diving straight into bouts with top contenders.

Cormier emphasized: “I know Holloway wants to fight Dustin Poirier, and that fight would be extremely exciting. But is there a better way for him to debut in the lightweight division? Instead of facing Dustin for the third time, why not have him take on opponents like Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev, or Paddy Pimblett? This way, Holloway can safely get back on track without facing overly dangerous opponents from the start.”

Cormier believes that such a plan would give Holloway time to adjust to the speed and power of lightweight fighters. Choosing less dangerous opponents would offer Holloway a chance to prove himself without immediately facing the division’s top names.