Max Holloway's welterweight debut at UFC 329 was a mixed bag, to say the least. While he emerged victorious, the circumstances of his win left much to be desired. Holloway's performance was marred by the unfortunate injury to Conor McGregor, which ended the fight prematurely. Despite this, the Hawaiian fighter's potential at 170 pounds is a topic of much speculation and excitement.
One person who believes in Holloway's ability to dominate the welterweight division is Jack Della Maddalena, a former champion himself. Della Maddalena, who trained with Holloway for the McGregor fight, praised his training partner's skills and predicted a dominant performance at 170 pounds. He stated, 'I thought he was going to do well, and I think he would do well — like, he would clean up 170 if he wanted to.'
Della Maddalena's confidence in Holloway is not without reason. The Hawaiian fighter's size and reach advantage over many welterweight opponents are notable. However, Holloway's decision to return to the lightweight division after this fight is a strategic one, considering the current landscape of the division.
The welterweight division is a hotbed of talent, with current champion Islam Makhachev and rising stars like Ian Machado Garry. Holloway's potential challenge to Makhachev down the line adds an intriguing layer to the division's future. If Makhachev successfully defends his title at UFC 330, Holloway's push for a title shot could become a reality.
In the meantime, Holloway's focus on lightweight may be a strategic move to capitalize on his current momentum and avoid the rigors of a division with a more established champion. However, the question remains: can Holloway truly dominate the welterweight division, or is his heart set on the lightweight throne?
One thing is certain: Holloway's journey in the UFC is far from over, and his future in the organization is a topic of much speculation and excitement among fans. As he continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC, Holloway's next move will be a crucial one, shaping his legacy in the organization.
