Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway is making a case for a title shot in the 155-pound division following his impressive win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in Las Vegas last month.
Many believe that the current champion, Islam Makhachev, may not consider Holloway a serious threat. This sentiment is echoed by coach Javier Mendez, who points to Makhachev’s strong wrestling abilities as a potential challenge for Holloway, especially considering his past difficulties against skilled wrestlers like Alex Volkanovski, Frankie Edgar, and Brian Ortega.
Mendez highlighted Makhachev’s impressive takedown average of 3.17 per 15 minutes, noting that this could present a tough matchup for Holloway. However, he also acknowledged that Holloway has a history of proving doubters wrong and could rise to the occasion once again.
The decision on who will face Makhachev next for the title, whether it be Holloway or Arman Tsarukyan, hinges on the outcome of Makhachev’s upcoming bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in Newark next month.
