'He beat the man I couldn’t…' Despite tempting Conor McGregor fight, Max Holloway believes Ilia Topuria title fight is next

The Hawaii native returned home this Monday & talked to KHON2’s Rob DeMello about his future. The fighter received a grand homecoming, with him, in turn, acknowledging DeMello for his continued coverage. Holloway said he’d want to run things back with Conor McGregor. The duo faced each other on UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen and have maintained quite the sniping rivalry.

But, he ultimately veered towards facing Ilia Topuria. The current 145-pound champ defeated Alexander Volknaovski brutally at UFC 298. Holloway is 0-3 against Volk; hence, Topuria poses the next big challenge for him. ‘Mystic Mac’, as foretold, makes his return at UFC 303. A Holloway vs. McGregor might not be shocking, considering the Hawaiian fighter is now a ranked contender. Only time will tell what happens.

Max Holloway justifies his walkout music and reverence to Hawaiin roots

Max Holloway is the current BMF after bagging the silver strap from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300’s main card triple title-headliner. His dominant performance will always be etched in promotional history as one of the best editions of BMF fights. Moreover, he chose to boldly duke it out in the middle, despite having the upper hand if the bout went to decision.

Having a clear playing field, he recently weighed his options between Conor McGregor and featherweight Ilia Topuria. Landing back home at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, ‘Blessed’ talked in length about his UFC 300 experience, the walkout music, and his legacy.

From the island, for the island, We just gotta let the Hawaii people know... Hawaiian superman, crazy song. Hawaiian kickboxer, I’m always walking out to that song no matter what. I just wanted to show people... Max Holloway via KHON2 News’s Rob DeMello

Holloway made his UFC 300 walkout to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man and Moses “Moke Boy” Kamealoha’s Hawaiian Kickboxer. Consequently, this has always been his iconic go-to music that gives him a proper sense of belonging. He ardently showcases the best of his Hawaiian roots whenever he can.

Holloway started this trend by paying respect to the victims of the Maui fire. Facing Chan Sung Jung, Holloway walked out to the song, Hawaiian Kickboxer by Moke Boy. He has also walked out to a remix of Blessings by Big Sean and Hawaiian Kickboxer. But, in order to represent his native victims on a global platform, he has stuck with Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man ever since.