​Max Holloway entered the UFC 329 main event against Conor McGregor as a solid favorite, and while the odds were right about the pick, the manner of Holloway’s victory was unexpected. Just seconds into the Las Vegas clash at the T-Mobile Arena, McGregor injured his right knee when planting after a wild high kick. It quickly became clear that the joint was seriously compromised, and the referee promptly waved off the bout a little over a minute into the fight. It wasn’t the way Holloway wanted to earn the win, but a win is a win, and he now advances to his next fight inside the Octagon, which should come sooner rather than later since he didn’t even break a sweat at UFC 329. With that in mind, here are five potential opponents for Holloway’s UFC return later this year.
Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy has quietly emerged as one of the most dangerous fighters at lightweight. He is 5-1 inside the Octagon, with only one of his victories going the distance. If Holloway is aiming to push toward a lightweight title shot, Ruffy would present an intriguing matchup with the potential to be a Fight of the Year contender.
Another major matchup on the UFC 329 main card featured lightweight contenders Benoit Saint-Denis and Paddy Pimblett. A win for the Frenchman would have made it five straight, but “The Baddy” delivered a stunning submission victory in under a minute. On paper, a Holloway vs. Saint-Denis clash could be a fantastic stylistic battle of contrasts.
Saturday’s main event took place at welterweight, and Holloway might consider staying at 170 pounds to chase a top contender if he prefers not to cut much more weight. A potential bout with Brazilian power puncher Carlos Prates could be compelling. Prates’ reach and power would test Holloway, though Prates is known for his relentless cardio and output. It would be fascinating to see whether Holloway could endure Prates’ pace and determine if the Brazilian’s stamina is truly a cardio exception despite his cigarette-heavy lifestyle. A win could propel Holloway into title talks at 170.
Despite entering as a clear underdog, Pimblett once again silenced doubters with a big submission over Saint-Denis, returning him to the title picture and setting him up for another high-stakes fight. Pimblett has already toppled a couple of lightweight legends, and adding Holloway to his résumé would be highly intriguing. A headliner for a Fight Night at the O2 in London would be an excellent venue for a bout between Pimblett and Holloway should both stay active.
If Holloway returns at lightweight, a bout with Ruffy would push him into a quick title conversation, while a move to welterweight for a fresh test against Prates would offer a unique challenge at 170. A bout against Saint-Denis at 155 or Pimblett at 170 could also deliver major intrigue and showcase Holloway against contrasting styles in front of passionate crowds.