UFC News: Max Holloway makes a big announcement about the future of MMA

UFC superstar Max Holloway has made a big announcement about his future in MMA. The former featherweight title challenger has announced his plans to leave the division and move up to lightweight.

More news: Exclusive: Michael Chandler on Charles Oliveira, Conor McGregor and UFC goals.

“It’s like my phoenix moment: from the ashes we are being reborn,” Holloway said Saturday on his YouTube channel. “We are moving towards bigger and better things, walking through a new door and starting a new chapter. I’m a big believer in “never say never” and the big question now is, “Was this your last fight at 145?” You guys saw me bring this up at the press conference and I can honestly say I think I’m done with 145. Your boy is just getting old, I’m turning 33. This cut is no excuses. That cut was easy, bro. Thanks to my wife. “They helped make this haircut super easy, but it takes a lot of effort to lose weight, no matter what your weight.”

“I had to give up ramen during the ’45 training camp. So that’s it. I never want to give up ramen again. 155, here we come, and 155 is where I want to stay. This is a New Chapter. This is where we start. I can’t wait. Like I said, never say never. But I can honestly look you in the eye and tell you guys that I’m probably never going back. 45th. I like what I did. I did what I had to do, I returned to the championship several times in which I defended. this weight. Now it’s time to move on to the next chapter, and there are 155 fun fights that I can’t wait to take part in.”

Holloway just suffered a brutal knockout loss to featherweight champion Iliya Topuria, and that loss is likely a big reason that prompted the former champion to make the switch. Even more important than his loss was his ability to fight one of the best lightweights in the game.

Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje in the last second to secure the BMF title at UFC 300, leaving Gaethje in the final second of the fifth round. The massive win moved Holloway into the top five in the division.

What’s even more impressive is that Holloway had already won every round before, setting up Gaethje with a series of clean shots before the knockout. The move to lightweight makes a lot of sense for the former featherweight champion.

Holloway also noted that he is tired of cutting weight and that he has a ton of great fights ahead of him at 155 pounds. One of those fights could be against Dustin Poirier, who defeated Holloway twice.

Read more: Michael Chandler talks about the shocking fight the UFC offered him ahead of Charles Oliveira

Another fight on the way could be against Michael Chandler, who told Newsweek Sports that a BMF title shot was offered before Holloway decided to fight Topuria instead. Either way, Holloway has a ton of great fights to look forward to as he is committed to his cause in the lightweight division.

For more UFC coverage, visit Newsweek Sports.