Islam Makhachev vs Max Holloway (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Though not immediately, Islam Makhachev might see himself going against Max Holloway.

Islam Makhachev told the New York Post, “If he beats a couple more guys in my division, we can fight.”

Islam Makhachev believes that Max Holloway has contenders scheduled to deal with. If Max Holloway defeats Ilia Topuria, and once Makhachev is done fighting two fighters on his list, he might look forward to fighting Holloway.

The main event of UFC 302 on June 1st, featuring the UFC lightweight champion against Dustin Poirier, is currently scheduled. Though Holloway has a strong case for a lightweight championship shot after his highlight-reel, buzzer-beater knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 earlier this month, Makhachev isn’t currently keeping an eye on the new BMF titleholder.

Why Does Islam Makhachev Want To Wait To Fight Max Holloway?

After stopping Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022, Makhachev successfully defended the title twice against Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion at the time. At UFC 284, Makhachev won a decision that made him MMA Fighting’s 2023 Fight of the Year. Eight months later, at UFC 294 in Moscow, Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski with a powerful head kick.MMA Fighting posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “ Islam Makhachev cools talks of a Max Holloway fight for the moment.”

Makhachev believes it is only fitting that he receives his shot at being champion champ before challenging a different former featherweight champion for the championship after taking on Volkanovski twice.

Islam Makhachev (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Having faced Volkanovski twice, Makhachev believes it’s only fitting that he has his chance to become the champion. He wants to defend his championship against another former featherweight champion first, though.