Max Holloway plans to move up to the UFC’s lightweight division, inspired by Alex Pereira‘s successful transition and title run in a higher weight class.
Max Holloway has conquered the featherweight division, and he’s setting his sights on new challenges in the lightweight category. Ambitious? Absolutely.
“Blessed,” as he’s known, recently announced his move to the UFC’s 155-pound roster. This comes after a stellar 12-year run at featherweight, where he reigned as champion from 2017 to 2019. His last featherweight bout was a tough one, losing to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308—his first knockout loss.
Transitioning from one competitive division to another, Holloway aims to emulate Alex Pereira’s journey. Pereira snatched the UFC middleweight title from Israel Adesanya in just his fourth promotional fight. Although he lost it back to Adesanya, he later claimed the vacant light heavyweight title by defeating Jiri Prochazka.
Holloway recently expressed admiration for Pereira during a Kick stream (h/t Championship Rounds). He noted Pereira’s resilience after being finished by Adesanya. “We saw Alex Pereira get finished… Next fight he fought for a #1 contender spot, [then he] fought for the title and he’s on a spectacular title run…”
Holloway is eager to follow this path. “155, cannot wait,” he exclaimed. “Let’s mimic it. Let’s do it.”
Pereira has defended his light heavyweight title three times in 2024, cementing his status as a top UFC fighter. The former kickboxing champ still has big fights ahead, with Magomed Ankalaev and Jon Jones both eyeing him.
If Holloway’s lightweight journey mirrors Pereira’s reinvention, he’ll be thrilled. “I get inspiration in that,” Holloway said. “He’s a beast.”